Washington – Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, in his first public remarks since announcing his resignation, acknowledged Thursday that progress in the Iraq war has been too slow and said history would judge his effectiveness at the helm of the Pentagon.
“I will say this: It is very clear that the major combat operations were an enormous success. It is clear that, in phase two of this, it has not been going well enough or fast enough,” Rumsfeld said in a speech at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
Rumsfeld noted that Iraq has ratified a constitution, held elections and opened schools and hospitals.
“That is impressive,” he said. “Now, you put all that on a scale against the fact that there’s violence and sectarian violence – and there is – and that people are being killed and Muslims are being killed by violent extremist Muslims, and it’s important to know that that’s what’s happening over there … ” he said.
Rumsfeld announced his resignation Wednesday after Democrats captured control of Congress in what was widely interpreted as a vote against the war in Iraq.
No detailed preparations were yet underway for the transition to President Bush’s nominee to be the next secretary, ex-CIA chief Robert Gates, because he has not yet been confirmed by the Senate. Hearings could take place early next month.
The changing of the guard is unlikely to seriously disrupt U.S. military operations, said several senior officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic.
“DOD is not a fragile community. We can deal with it,” one general said.
“We have leaders,” another general said.
