Friday, May 14, 2004

So a member of Congress yesterday was asking an American official what would happen if the new Iraqi "government" became so incensed by American conduct in Iraq that it asked American forces to withdraw. "Mr. Grossman at first said that this could not happen because any government would recognize the importance of keeping American forces on hand. Finally, when pressed, he answered "yes" — American forces would have to leave. He was then contradicted by Lt. Gen. Walter Sharp, director of strategic plans and policy for the military's joint staff, who said that such a request would only be valid if made by an elected government — something that would not exist until next year. Mr. Grossman then said that General Sharp "perhaps did a better job than I did" in answering the question." (thanks to Layla)