Pentagon: Hillary Boosts Enemy Propaganda

Letter From Defense Official Slams Clinton's Questions On Troop Withdrawal

(AP)  The Pentagon told Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton that her questions about how the U.S. plans to eventually withdraw from Iraq boosts enemy propaganda.

In a stinging rebuke to a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Undersecretary of Defense Eric Edelman responded to questions Clinton raised in May in which she urged the Pentagon to start planning now for the withdrawal of American forces.

A copy of Edelman's response, dated July 16, was obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

"Premature and public discussion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq reinforces enemy propaganda that the United States will abandon its allies in Iraq, much as we are perceived to have done in Vietnam, Lebanon and Somalia," Edelman wrote.

He added that "such talk understandably unnerves the very same Iraqi allies we are asking to assume enormous personal risks."

Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines called Edelman's answer "at once outrageous and dangerous," and said the senator would respond to his boss, Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Clinton has privately and publicly pushed Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Peter Pace two months ago to begin drafting the plans for what she said will be a complicated withdrawal of troops, trucks and equipment.

"If we're not planning for it, it will be difficult to execute it in a safe and efficacious way," she said then.

The strong wording of the response is unusual, particularly for a missive to a member of the Senate committee with oversight of the Defense Department and its budget.

Clinton aides said the letter ignored important military matters and focuses instead on political payback.

"Redeploying out of Iraq with the same combination of arrogance and incompetence with which the Bush administration deployed our young men and women into Iraq is completely unacceptable, and our troops deserve far better," said Reines, who said military leaders should offer a withdrawal plan rather than "a political plan to attack those who question them."

As she runs for president, the New York senator has ratcheted up her criticism of the Bush administration's war effort, answering critics of her 2002 vote to authorize the Iraq invasion by saying she would end the war if elected president.

If she wins, Clinton may find herself overseeing such a withdrawal policy, but she is hardly alone in raising the issue.

Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana warned Thursday at a hearing that if U.S. military leaders and Congress "are not prepared for these contingencies, they may be executed poorly, especially in an atmosphere in which public demands for troop withdrawals could compel action on a political timetable."

Edelman's letter does offer a passing indication the Pentagon might, in fact, be planning how to withdraw, saying: "We are always evaluating and planning for possible contingencies. As you know, it is long-standing departmental policy that operational plans, including contingency plans, are not released outside of the department."

Edelman is the Undersecretary of defense for policy. He is also a former U.S. ambassador and one-time aide to Vice President Dick Cheney. During the 2004 campaign, Cheney told Iowa voters that electing the Democratic ticket of John Kerry and John Edwards would risk another terrorist attack.

Kerry jumped to Clinton's defense, deriding what he called smear tactics by the administration.

"They will say anything, do anything, and twist any truth to avoid accountability," said the Massachusetts senator.

[gkc99]

"Don't ask questions! Don't ask who is the man behind the curtain! A wise and benevolent Leader and Decider has all the answers! You peasants don't need to worry your little heads about it! If you do, we will have you shot!"--George W. (Cheetah) Bushit.

Guess the Slime Boat Veterans are revving up their engines again for another smear job.

Sorry Rebliscum Neocons, you own this war, you lost it, suck it up. We can only wait until '08 to administer the sorely needed ***-whuppin' you're going to get.

[ov442]

These numerous unqualified political appointees that were handed out undeserved positions both within our federal government as well as our military command structure are a psychological disaster for the effective running of our country.
Irregardless of your political beleifs, its bad policy to hand out important positions to unqualified individuals as payment for helping win elections or campaign smearing or marketing for political ideology.
The vast majority of republican appointees in the white house, the DOJ, & the DODwere given positions solely because of their help with winning elections.
This is the exact opposite of what our country was founded on and the process through which we are supposed to be governed using our constitution and bill of rights as guides.

Im not saying that a lot of this hasnt gone on for years with most all presidents, but the Extent of which this has happened with the Horrendous continuing results of shoddy management and illegal and unconstitutional actions is unprecedented and harming our nation immeasurably.

[jack3213]

Doees anyone else notice how when there is an article about Clinton it sounds more like a celebrity gossip page that is full of propaganda and make believe ? I know she has said she has not lost an election since...grade school, but I am most certain she will lose this one. She has come out of the starting gate way too soon and the momentum needed to achieve success can only be aquired with someone with alot of experiance. Y'all wait and see, she ain't got it.

[trillion1]

I don't like Hillary, and she's our senator, but this latest attempt at smear trully shows how ethiclly and morally bankrupt bush and his cheerleaders are. Impeachment is long over due.

[gkc99]

Hillary, or another Bushit Neocon? Not even a contest. Bushit done run out of lies.

It's gonna be Hilly.

Suck it up, Fascists. Your Tiny Texass Tyrant, and the Hulking Draft Dodger in Hiding, are going down, and the suck from the sinking ship will take the neoscum parasites with it.

[hungry1968]

"Premature and public discussion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq reinforces enemy propaganda that the United States will abandon its allies in Iraq, much as we are perceived to have done in Vietnam, Lebanon and Somalia," Edelman wrote.


Isn't it funny that 2 of the 3 places that he named, have thriving economies, and it's people are much, much better off than when our military forces were there?

[duhrer]

Back to the same old song and dance... if you elect a democrat it will be good for terrorists. When will the remaining Bush supporters and anti-democracts realize that Bush and his cronies have been good for terrorists?

[jack3213]

Web6242- What the heck are you talking about? Hilary did not run the country, she stole from the country, she lied, and her husband cheated. This is not experiance, that is called stupidity.

[jack3213]

Duhrer- What does "Good for terrorists?" mean? Anything for a terrorist is not good, especially a person who continues to change their mind about what should be done. You have to admit that Bush has stuck to his guns no matter what, this is what is known as: "experianced"

[hungry1968]

"She doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut, she can't make up her mind and she makes decisions based on what she thinks people want from on day to the next."
Posted by guyfrompa45 at 08:41 AM : Jul 20, 2007

You mean Hillary actually cares about the people that elected her to office to represent them? She actually wants to follow the will of the people that elected her? What a novel idea!! Maybe the Republicans can try that brilliant strategy!!


"Bush has screwed up many times but at least he makes a decision and sticks to it."

So you're saying that it's okay that Bush makes nothing but mistakes, bad decisions, and ignorance in exercising his pi*ss poor judgment? As long as he sticks to his decision, even if it turns out he's wrong, it's okay because he still thinks he's right? My god, you Bush backers are really out there with your twisted and demented logic. Maybe you should go seek some professional help.

[jlwesley]

Hilary Clinton is a self centered, anti-military, political hack, who is giving aid and comfort to the enemy, she should be tried for treason, if it were not for the actions of her former administration we would never have had 9/11. If you think we have problems in this country now, just put her back in the White House and see what you get.

[getit1776]

So now we've politicized the Pentagon.

[mudrose-2009]

Back to the same old song and dance... if you elect a democrat it will be good for terrorists. When will the remaining Bush supporters and anti-democracts realize that Bush and his cronies have been good for terrorists?
Posted by duhrer

It got so good for the terrorists because Clintin treated most terror acts as a police action. In other words that had carte blanche to do what they pleased with impunity. And she takes umbridge being told that she's aiding and abetting the enemy. Why would any Clintoid listen to what the military says, defense department says, when they constantly seek like the rest of the Dumnos to undermine them. Oh, and by the way, that little all night stunt Harry did was another grandstand stunt to pander to the base, since he voted NAY. But I don't place much faith in Reid or Pelosi since they have their morning talks with MoveOn.Org a Soros based organization and they get their talking points from them. Guess who's running the Dumnos? And just for good measure, the Dumnos don't want to fold on this war they just want to keep the bi-partisan antagonisms going so they can capture the WH. Harry has the figures. Pay attention.

[donnie900]

What a buncha bullshyyt. And you military people better get yer ******* priorities straight, and soon. You work for us, azzzholes.

[getit1776]

"You have to admit that Bush has stuck to his guns no matter what." Yep, he sure does, just like the captain of the Titanic stood in the wheelhouse to the bitter end.

[afmca]

Edelman is an idiot. The DOD is answerable to Congress. I know Bush/Cheney hate that little document called the Constitution, but it has worked for 200+ years. This is more hubris from an administration that will go down in history as the most vile, corrupt, and immoral. There should be gallows awaiting many of the neocons that sold the country out for blood money. 3,000 soldier lives, tens of thousands maimed, Iraqi citizen body parts spread all over the streets and even the Bushittes state that the possibility of an alQaeda attack is higher now than when we started this stupidity. Repuiblicans continue to support Bush over the Constitution and the citizenry, their entire party needs to pay the price in 2008.

[bareemperor]

The Endless Bu$hWar -
Profit before Progress!
FIVE MORE YEARS!!!!

[ramos937]

The letter as written by Undersecretary of Defense Eric Edelman is "self multilation" by Mr. Edelman. Did he never hear the words, "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned". Hillary sits on the committee that oversees the DOD budget and as such, under senate rules, has the power to block it, etc. Other things she could do would be to hold up officer promotion lists, etc. I have absolutely no doubt that those are options she and her staff are discussing today.

Either Edelamn has very real plans to leave the administration and work for a candidate or he is in very deep doodoo today.

I have a very real problem imaging that he had the prior consent of SecDod Gates before he sent the letter.

While Hilliary will make political hay out of the letter, she will not be satisfied with only a public apology from Edelman but she will want his hinny to hang from her wall too.

What was he thinking of?

[ddraco]

They did not plan ahead for the war, why do it for the withdrawl?

[donnie900]

Hey! DoD! Whats it like to have more government money than Arabia?

[hungry1968]

Anything for a terrorist is not good, especially a person who continues to change their mind about what should be done. You have to admit that Bush has stuck to his guns no matter what, this is what is known as: "experianced"
Posted by Jack3213 at 08:58 AM : Jul 20, 2007


Bush stuck to his guns?
Freud's definition of insanity: "Doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different outcome."

You might call it experienced, most of all call it insane. Making a mistake, seeing it really is a mistake, and not doing anything to stop it bad enough. But when people get hurt or killed because of your mistake, is a criminal act. It's called manslaughter if it's unintentional, homicide if it is intentional. I'll let you decide which crime he's guilty of.

[donnie900]

I'm not afraid of military people. They think they're tough, but they're not. I know the thumb thing.. I KNOW THE THUMB THING!

Kick yer ******* azzzes..

[pwrslm]

Back to the same old song and dance... if you elect a democrat it will be good for terrorists. When will the remaining Bush supporters and anti-democracts realize that Bush and his cronies have been good for terrorists?
Posted by duhrer

It really doesnt matter what the Bush supporters and anti democrats realize. Hillary should be better educated, she is a member of congress, with access to military and intelligence data. Hillary doesnt care about America, she only wants to make history for herself.

Its true. Nothing else really matters. If Clinton would have invaded Iraq in 1995, this whole thing would have never happened. It would have taken us 2 years and it would have been finished. Instead, we allowed a network of terror to grow and grow through the 90s, to the point that they executed thousands of americans on 9-11.

So what network of terror attacked the USA repeatedly during the Clinton Administration? The same one that is inciting civil conflict between the Shiits and the Sunnis by bombing mosques from both sects....

Simply put, when most Americans fail to understand the true reason for the situation in Iraq, its because of politics. None of the accusers have presented logical, analytical answers to the current problems. They just jump on a band wagon and incite bush hatred, fanning the flames is a democrat tactic.

[mudrose-2009]

They did not plan ahead for the war, why do it for the withdrawl?
Posted by ddraco

Well, the politicians are clammering for a withdrawal, kick the ****** military strategists out and let the Congress figure out a withdrawal scheme. Haven't heard anything from Harry yet. Oh, that's right, he has to check with MoveOn.Org and George Soros first, they his base and then just sit there and keep the war going while saying they are trying to end it. SUCKERS!

[rjstolba]

Let's see: Bush, Wolfowitz, Cheney, Libby, Edelman, Rove, etc, etc. And what moron would listen to anything that these mindless twits would say????

[jack3213]

Hungry & Getit: It is quite amusing to me that you bring up two very well known historic analogies, one being the Titanic and the other being Freud. At the time, both were ridiculed and judged quite harshely. It is my opinion that in the far future this debate and this war will be looked back upon as a time in history where a president saved our sorry a--'s and also, he will be remembered for having a low popularity poll, but one which will be noticed as irony.

[donnie900]

Stand tall, Hillary. This old war machine here is a king kong that belongs in a jungle. But I got my big elephant gun, and nerves of steel. And we're gonna kick these guyz azzzes if need be. *spit*

[SIDNEYWILLIAMSMD]

Yes, lets just draw up the exact plan and give it to Al Qaeda....We never did any thing like this for the Germans, or the Japanese or any enemy we have ever fought. They should never know whether we are going north, south, east or west. They should always be kept guessing and in fear, never knowing what our intent or capabilities are. First and foremost we must maintain our military integrity as we confront enemies in a hostile world.

[mudrose-2009]

Stand tall, Hillary. This old war machine here is a king kong that belongs in a jungle. But I got my big elephant gun, and nerves of steel. And we're gonna kick these guyz azzzes if need be. *spit*
Posted by donnie900

Look even King Kong was beloved. Fay Wray liked that monkey even though he was poking and sniffing her. What's this one got going for her?

[donnie900]

"Look even King Kong was beloved. Fay Wray liked that monkey even though he was poking and sniffing her. What's this one got going for her?"

Neocons don't like her. And thats enough fer me..

[antoniof123]

I am sick of the oh if we vote this one in you voted the worst and dumbest president in American history in and we are screwed.

I think Pentagon should watch what they say to Hillary the way things look now she will be their boss in a few months and then maybe she can fix the mess this clown has done.

Although I fear it is too late to fix this mess because if you look at the world and what has happened in the last 6 years you would agree with me.

[j-whitman]

Funny as hell coming from the Civilian run Pentagon who won't stop missusing our troops or using them for politics.

, Funny as hell coming from a Civilian run Pentagon who now has armed Sunni's, -- Sunni's are back now to murdering, beating & torturing Shiites worst than before Saddam Hussain,

[oxmyx-2009]

Now that the moron bush has politicized EVERYTHING, including a military take-over of intelligence, you can expect regular attacks from all government entities on Democratic candidates- running right through the election. Since WW II the Pentagon has done nothing but lie, manipulate and over-estimate (while simultaneously *** the returning vets.)

[mudrose-2009]

Neocons don't like her. And thats enough fer me..
Posted by donnie900

And they tell me the lefties don't vote with their *******.

[inventagod]

Gee, could you imagine if Bu$h was the president of Ford Motor Company? We would all be driving Pintos, no matter what we really wanted to drive, and the Pentagoons would be the traffic cops...

[donnie900]

"And they tell me the lefties don't vote with their *******."

I wasn't a lefty. I was a hardcore conservative. Until I found out what "compassionate" means.

[bensondana]

The Pentagon should shut up. Last time I checked, the Constitution had not been completely decimated by the Bush administration and we still have a semblence of free speach rights left. When did the Pentigon staff become cowards, because only cowards are afraid of free speach and a free society!

The disaster in Iraq is no fault of the military. Bush and Cheaney are personally responsible for the death and destruction over there.

[afmca]

pwrsim does what so many Bush apologists and neocon lemmings continue to get wrong. Iraq WAS NOT a terrorist haven during Clinton's presidency. It was ruled by a brutal dictator with delusions of power - but his true ability to do mischief was limited. Saddam would not share power with anyone, alQaeda included.

The Bushittes empowered terrorists during their reign by combining christian hubris, military incompetence, and insatiable greed. If you want to look where the terrorists are, look to Pakistan. Where is the surge into the border areas? If the US is hit with another terrorist attack and it is managed from Pakistan, then Bush and only Bush can be blamed. He has had 6+ years to clean out that mess, but lost his focus on Iraq, Stupid !!!

[donnie900]

Why don't you ask the DoD about the guy.. the colonel, who spend 19.9 years of his life in military service and was dishonorably discharged from his 20 year pension because somebody suspected him of being a homosexual?

[mudrose-2009]

And they tell me the lefties don't vote with their *******."

I wasn't a lefty. I was a hardcore conservative. Until I found out what "compassionate" means.
Posted by donnie900

And I was a hardcore democrat until the went overboard into socialism.

[mbcsmith]

And there you have it! Hilldog is supporting our enemies. A good President? NO WAY!

[pepperp1]

One of Rummys incompetent neo con boys get a job at AEI we do not want to pay your salary, a complete false argument, we have never entered a conflict with out an exit strategy nor should we. The buffoon is just another crony with no expertise other than as a partisan adn his gut. This by the way is one of the genius with a lot at stake the pentagon is now up to 10 Million Dollars a hour for the war, 10 Million an hour, now even the Repugs are ringing the alarm bells that because of this runaway expenditure the danger to the US Security is threatened because of our dependence upon foreign capital, foreign capital inflows 780 billion in 2005 has doubled to 1.5 Trillion. Just think when your 401K equities drop those same politician who ran up this foreign debt will point the finger oversees, so now we are addicted to foreign oil using 3 of every 4 barrels produced and also now dependent of foreign countries and capital for our economy, makes ya feel if their may be an addict setting these policies.

[walt1944-2009]

It has been learned that Emperor Bush is desperately trying to find a nickname for Hillary Clinton to attach her to the insurrgents in Iraq. This, the Emperor and his advisors feel, would place her in the same "league" that Jane Fonda was placed in, when a former Republican dictatorship regime headed by Richard Nixon, attached the nickname of "Hanoi Jane" to Fonda during the Vietnam war.

The Emperor, together with Darth Cheney, and Bounty Hunter Rove have been demanding the news networks try to find any pictures of Clinton atop an anti-aircraft gun, but so far the only pictures that have are those of the late John Wayne riding in an armed vehicle.

SIG HEIL, BUSH!!!

[donnie900]

19.9 years.. excellence in military service. And somebody thought the guy might have "abnormal" sexual tendencies towards the same ***, and BAM! Dishonorable discharge. BAM! Like dat.. No pension.. no noth'n.

Let me tell ya somfin about the military that I think you people might have forgotten: The military is like firefighting. A reflection of its society. A mirror image. And there's no morality, nor ethics involved. If there is something in society? Then there is too that same thing in the military, on a smaller scale. But directly proportional.. ya hear? DIRECTLY!

Now you shyyytheads work for us. Thats the chain'a command. And you don't do no more propaganda about anything no more..

[getit1776]

Jack3213: You're down to your last hope...'history will judge Bush differently.' History is going to barbecue Bush's @ss in molasses.

[ioweign]

We don't have a Commander in Chief - what do you expect - someone has to point out the obvious!

[j-whitman]

mbcsmith,,, Funny, Bush has aremed the Sunni's, now they torture,& murder Shiites again just as Before we got rid of Saddam Hussain.... What progress can Bush clame ???

[perception5]

Hillary Rotten-Clinton should "Resign". She along with America's corrupt liberal wolfpack press along with their close pals in the Democrat party are "playing politics" while we have Americans troops in harms way.

Hillary is not "qualified" to be Commander-in-Chief" and her POLITICAL VOTE AGAINST FUNDING THE TROOPS LAST MONTH SEALED THE DEAL.

Hillary along with her corrupt pals in America's Free left-wing press" represent "poison" in the blood stream of this great nation. BOTH continue to "divide" the American people.

[mbcsmith]

mbcsmith,,, Funny, Bush has aremed the Sunni's, now they torture,& murder Shiites again just as Before we got rid of Saddam Hussain.... What progress can Bush clame ???
Posted by j-whitman at 09:37 AM : Jul 20, 2007


It's sad when you just make stuff up and post it. Try to think of something that you can support with facts! Like Hilldog providing aid and comfort to the enemy. She has no idea.

[brianbwb-2009]

Where does the pentagon get off injecting the opinions of its top brass into politics?

If they knew how to do their jobs, we wouldn't be in this mess.

Their pathetic attempts to influence political discussion on the side of an illegal war smacks of corruption at the highest levels.

Maybe we need to take a look at the financial transactions of Undersecretary of Defense Eric Edelman for the past 5 years, and continue to watch them for the forseeable future...