July 31, 2007

Joint Chiefs Nominee Praises Surge, Criticizes Iraqi Leaders

President Bush's two nominees to head the Joint Chiefs of Staff began their Senate confirmation hearings today, offering their assessments of the current situation in Iraq and their concerns about the war-torn country's future.

Admiral Michael Mullen, the president's nominee to replace current Joint Chiefs Chairman Peter Pace, both praised the success the troop surge has had in helping to secure the most volatile areas and criticized the Iraqi government for failing to make political progress in unifying the country.

Mullen, who currently heads naval operations, told the Armed Services Committee that "security is better, not great, but better." He also stressed that the United States needs "to bring as much pressure on" Iraqi political leaders "as we possibly can." His comments come one day after the Iraqi parliament left for a monthlong summer recess without taking votes on a number of crucial, U.S.-backed bills.

Mullen predicted that U.S. troops would need to remain in Iraq for "years, not months" to come. But he also acknowledged the need to "plan for an eventual drawdown" of forces.

Marine Gen. James Cartwright, Bush's nominee for vice chairman of the joint chiefs, also testified before the committee today. After the hearing, which lasted more than three hours, committee Chairman Carl Levin, D-Mich., predicted the two would be confirmed without a fight. Bush nominated Mullen over current Joint Chiefs Chairman Peter Pace to avoid what he and Defense Secretary Robert Gates feared would be a long, contentious confirmation battle.

Army Times, the New York Times and the Washington Post have more on today's hearing.

Posted at 3:25 PM
Posted to: Michael Mullen
Share via