Rumsfeld resignation calls grow louder
Rumsfeld resignation calls grow louder
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Friday, 14, Apr 2006 09:53
US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld is facing an increasing number of calls for his resignation over his handling of the Iraq war.
There are now six retired army generals expressing their concerns over Mr Rumsfeld's internal management of the conflict.
Retired army major general Charles H Swannock Jr told CNN: " I really believe that we need a new secretary of Defense because Secretary Rumsfeld carries way too much baggage with him."
Mr Swannock, who commanded the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq during 2003 and 2004, went on to claim that the defence secretary "has micromanaged the generals who are leading our forces".
His criticisms follow similar views expressed by retired major general John Batiste, who commanded the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq in the same period, told USA Today: "Sadly, we started something we weren't prepared to finish."
The White House, however, has continued to back Mr Rumsfeld, with press secretary Scott McClellan insisting that "the president believes Secretary Rumsfeld is doing a very fine job during a challenging period in our nation's history".
He added: "We are a nation at war, and we are a nation that is going through a military transformation. Those are issues that tend to generate debate and disagreement, and we recognise that."
The criticisms of the retired generals are with regard to Mr Rumsfeld's planning of the conflict in Iraq.