Pace gone because confirmation process would have shone the spotlight on the prosecution of the war

General 'sacrificed' to clear decks on Iraq
· Chairman of joint chiefs of staff to stand down
· Senate hearings would have been controversial

Suzanne Goldenberg in Washington
Saturday June 9, 2007
The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2099084,00.html

The Bush administration yesterday attempted to wipe the slate clean on the Iraq war and chart a new way forward with the surprise announcement that it was replacing General Peter Pace as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.

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"The focus of this confirmation process would have been on the past rather than on the future," Mr Gates told the press conference. "There was a very real prospect that the process would be quite contentious."

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The decision not to fight for Gen Pace was seen as a sign of the administration's eagerness to open a new chapter in the Iraq war, and so help rebuild wavering Republican support for the troops increase. Mr Gates denied any doubts about Gen Pace's performance. "I am disappointed that the circumstances make this kind of decision necessary," Mr Gates told reporters. "I wish that were not the case."

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It was also seen as an extraordinary retreat for an administration which had earlier prided itself on its resolve in pursuing policy matters, as well as loyalty to personnel. Mr Gates told the press conference that conversations in recent weeks with both Republican and Democratic senators had convinced him that a confirmation process would have shone the spotlight on the prosecution of the war.

That spectacle could have proved devastating at a time when the White House is fighting hard to maintain Republican support for additional troops in Iraq. Republican leaders have warned the White House repeatedly that they need to see concrete results from the surge by September if they are to continue to justify their support to a war-weary public.

The whispers I hear are that Pace was not on board for war with Iran.

I said Iran..

he would go against his bosses wishes or tow the company line on Iran? I don't know, it just seems that he's been loyal for so long.

I wonder what Pace will think now that he's been banished back to the reality-based community.

the reality-based community, they've been in fantasy land for so long, I wonder if they even have any concept of reality.