Rumsfeld forbade planning for after the invasion of Iraq

This single decision by Don Rumsfeld is more than enough to require his immediate resignation. From the Daily Press of Hampton Roads, VA:

"Months before the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld forbade military strategists from developing plans for securing a post-war Iraq, the retiring commander of the Army Transportation Corps said Thursday.

In fact, said Brig. Gen. Mark Scheid, Rumsfeld said "he would fire the next person" who talked about the need for a post-war plan. [Snip]

Scheid said the planners continued to try "to write what was called Phase 4," or the piece of the plan that included post-invasion operations like occupation.

Even if the troops didn't stay, "at least we have to plan for it," Scheid said.

"I remember the secretary of defense saying that he would fire the next person that said that," Scheid said. "We would not do planning for Phase 4 operations, which would require all those additional troops that people talk about today.

"He said we will not do that because the American public will not back us if they think we are going over there for a long war."

Like everything else this Bush/Cheney administration has done, the primary consideration has always been domestic American politics rather than accomplishing the necessary work of government.

But what can you expect from people who have shown utter disdain for government throughout their political careers? Conservatism has been proven to be an utter failure.

Kevin Drum adds his thoughts to this story.