Rumsfeld's leaked memo here

Rumsfeld's leaked memo on drawing down forces is here, courtesy of the NY Times and excellent reporting as usual I might add. It's no wonder the Administration doesn't like the NY Times. by these recent leaks, the NY Times has restored my confidence in them. Now to the story.

Since among several recommendations by Rumsfeld 2 days before he was removed from office by President Bush and a day before the elections, Rumsfeld sounds like a Democrat, not the leader of the Dept. of Defense. Several options given to the President included:

"Conduct an accelerated draw-down of U.S. bases. We have already reduced from 110 to 55 bases. Plan to get down to 10 to 15 bases by April 2007, and to 5 bases by July 2007."

"Position substantial U.S. forces near the Iranian and Syrian borders to reduce infiltration and, importantly, reduce Iranian influence on the Iraqi Government."

"Begin modest withdrawals of U.S. and Coalition forces (start “taking our hand off the bicycle seat”), so Iraqis know they have to pull up their socks, step up and take responsibility for their country."

Some of these same suggestions were made over the past 3 years by Senator Joe Biden. The question I have now is: Who could have leaked these memos and done such a public service?" And is there another purpose behind the leak? Does it provide cover to Bush and Cheney when the Baker Commission report comes out later this week? Rumsfeld's litany of options is probably going to be contained in the Commissions report. Does this make Bush's "Stay the Course" option less viable and impossible to defend? I hope so!

Thanks again NY Times reporters!