The Political Chase

Is Gates another Colin Powell

I continue to get the impression that Gates and Bush (better said Cheney) disagree on multiple fronts and Gates is usually the loser. Also, I’ve noticed on several occasions that Gates is apparently left out of the loop on discussions/decisions he should be involved in. Why else would Gates make a significant policy statement to only be overturned by the Decider publicly within hours?

Hours after Defense Secretary Robert Gates suggested a possible delay of a missile defense system in Europe, President Bush said Tuesday he plans to move ahead — hopefully with the help of an objecting Russia.

"The need for missile defense in Europe is real, and I believe it is urgent," Bush said during a speech at National Defense University devoted mainly to his planned project in Poland and the Czech Republic.

After a meeting earlier in the day in Prague, Gates said there could be a delay in deployment until the U.S. determines when Iran and other rogue nations are verifiably compliant.

Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice were rebuffed earlier this month by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said planned defense system in Eastern Europe would encourage more weapons development by his country. Putin later traveled to Iran, where he questioned whether that country is truly seeking nuclear weapons.

Bush did not cite Gates’ comments Tuesday, instead emphasizing the potential threat from Iran. "We need to take it seriously now," he said. "Now."