Billions to train Iraqis unspent
BY LOLITA C. BALDOR
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has spent just 40 percent of the $7 billion appropriated in 2005 for the training of Iraqi and Afghanistan security forces, a top Pentagon priority that is lynchpin for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
The slow pace of spending was outlined in a congressional report that also raised questions about whether the Pentagon needs the full $5.9 billion it has requested for training this year in an emergency spending bill that is pending in Congress.
The report comes as Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and the Bush administration have complained about cuts in the funding for Iraqi forces that is included in the House-passed version of the bill.In a report obtained by The Associated Press, the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service said the Pentagon is spending at a slower rate than Defense Department officials initially expected. As of Jan. 1, the report said, the Pentagon had allocated $2.1 billion, or just 37 percent, of the $5.7 billion in Iraqi training funds for the 2005 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.
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http://www.theolympian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060415/NEWS/60415018One and one-half days in Iraq:
April 15, 2006
Rumsfeld Gets Robust Defense From President
By JIM RUTENBERG and MARK MAZZETTI
WASHINGTON, April 14 — President Bush strongly endorsed Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Friday, in an effort to quell widening criticism from retired generals who have urged Mr. Rumsfeld to resign.
"Secretary Rumsfeld's energetic and steady leadership is exactly what is needed at this critical period," the president's statement read. "He has my full support and deepest appreciation."
The statement, issued as Mr. Bush interrupted a family holiday at Camp David, was part of a strong effort by the White House to fend off criticism of the handling of the war that has come from six retired generals, several of whom were involved in the invasion and occupation of Iraq. The generals are weighing in as polls show support for the war waning significantly in an election year.
Mr. Bush's statement was followed hours later by supportive comments from Gen. Richard B. Myers, the retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Tommy R. Franks, the retired commander of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Both appeared on cable news programs, and General Myers pointedly criticized former colleagues for publicly questioning civilian leadership.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/15/washington/15rumsfeld.html?ex=1145246400&en=4a4f33abe104012b&ei=5087%0A DNC Press Release: You're Doing a Heckuva Job, Rummy!
Fri Apr 14, 1:19 PM ET
To: National Desk
Contact: Karen Finney of the DNC Press Office, 202-863-8148
WASHINGTON, April 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a release from the Democratic National Committee:
When was the last time we heard the president say, you're doing a heck of a job? The last time, President Bush heaped praise on former FEMA head Michael Brown, who resigned only a few weeks later in the wake of enormous public outcry over the incompetent federal response to Hurricane Katrina. But, in the latest example of the Bush Administration's appetite for incompetence, despite twice offering his resignation and despite the news of six former Generals calling for him to step down, President Bush beleives that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is doing a "fine job" and "a heck of a good job."
"President Bush's refusal to recognize that its time to make a change and fire Secretary Rumsfeld is symptomatic of his Administration's incompetent and failed leadership," said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney.
"Hasn't President Bush realized that its time to stop ignoring the advice of our military experts and commanders with direct experience in Iraq? Democrats will continue to fight for change, not more of the same failed Bush policies on Iraq."Snip...
But, Bush Continues To Heap Praise On Rumsfeld...
Snip...
Bush: Rumsfeld Is Doing A "Heck Of A Good Job." "Rumors have been swirling about the possibility of Rumsfeld's departure from Bush's Cabinet. But the president said in an interview being aired Wednesday on Fox News Channel that the Pentagon chief wasn't leaving anytime soon. 'End of my term is a long time, but I tell you, he's done a heck of a good job,' Bush said, 'and I have no intention of changing him.' ... Bush's 'heck of a good job' remarks about Rumsfeld recalled the wording of his praise of then-FEMA chief Michael Brown during a visit to the Gulf Coast in early September to inspect damage from Hurricane Katrina. 'Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job,' Bush said. Brown later resigned in the face of heavy criticism of his performance." (AP, 12/14/05)
... Even As 6 Retired Generals Have Recently Called for Rumsfeld's Resignation
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http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2569956&mesg_id=2569956 Maybe the only way to get rid of Rumsfeld will be to impeach Bush and Cheney.
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