Meanwhile, President Bush, on a collision course with Congress over Iraq, said yesterday, "I'm the decision-maker" about sending more troops to war. He challenged skeptical lawmakers not to prematurely condemn his buildup.
"I've picked the plan that I think is most likely to succeed," Bush said in an Oval Office meeting with senior military advisers.
The president had strong words for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who are lining up to support resolutions opposing his decision to send 21,500 troops to Iraq. He challenged them to put up their own ideas.
"I know there is skepticism and pessimism and that some are condemning a plan before it's even had a chance to work," the president said. "They have an obligation and a serious responsibility, therefore, to put up their own plan as to what would work."
Gates talked to reporters as Senate Democrats prepared for the start of debate next week on the resolution of opposition to Bush's decision to send an additional 21,500 US forces into battle in Iraq. The Senate majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, said yesterday that a quick test vote would probably be taken if Republicans try to delay or block the move.
The general that Gates was referring to is Army Lieutenant General David Petraeus, who was confirmed by the full Senate yesterday to replace General George Casey as the top American commander in Iraq. Petraeus has said he needs all 21,500 extra troops Bush has called for in order to quell the raging sectarian violence in Baghdad.
"I think it's hard to measure that with any precision, but it seems pretty straightforward that any indication of flagging will in the United States gives encouragement to those folks," Gates said, referring to the anti government forces in Baghdad. He added that he was certain this was not the intent of those who support the congressional resolution.
"But that's the effect," he said.
