Washblog

Robert Gates' career at the CIA spanned the decade of the 1980s. During that time, he was very closely associated with both the Iran/Contra affair as well as the Iraq/Iran war. Although he was never indicted for his likely participation in the Reagan/Bush operation that included illegally selling arms to Iran for the purpose of funding the Nicaraguan Contras, his 1987 nomination (by Ronald Reagan) to head the CIA was withdrawn when it was met with overwhelming scrutiny on that front as well as allegations that he was responsible for providing classified information to Iraq to assist Saddam Hussein in his war with Iran.

If Gates' ties to the previous Bush administration aren't enough to raise concerns (I mean it's not like we haven't already been experiencing a six-year recycling of former Bush I appointees) I would argue that the Defense Department deserves a more experienced hand at the top. Except for a two year stint in the Air Force (1967-69) Gates brings virtually zero experience with the military. With troops in harm's way and still struggling to secure proper equipment (bullets and armor rather than missile defense shields) as a result of Rumsfeld's outsourcing management style, the DoD deserves a Secretary that understands and appreciates the distinctions and strengths of the different branches of the military and will respect the advise and council of the career officers in that department.

It has not yet been determined when we might expect confirmation hearings or a possible vote on this nomination but this would seem like a great place to start bringing about the change the voters have demanded. It's time to tell George W. Bush to start looking outside daddy's little black book and bring us a qualified nominee instead of just another crony.

Peace,
Chad (The Left) Shue