Word: levins
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...runs the committees could have major policy implications. If Republicans took over, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, for example, would most likely be Arizona Republican John McCain, who advocates more troops in Iraq. If the Democrats retain control, it would be Michigan Democrat Carl Levin, who is arguing for a plan that would reduce the number there...
...Other key Democrats are disappointed that the commission's recommendations didn't go as far as they might have. Sen. Carl Levin, who will take over the Senate Armed Services Committee, praised the report for proposing a "comprehensive plan for a change in course, including calling for an end to the open-ended commitment of American troops as a way of pressing the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own future." But he was disappointed the commission didn't specify a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawals - which he wants to begin in four to six months...
...Levin, in his questioning, read to Gates the response of CENTCOM chief Gen. John Abizaid at a Nov. 15 Armed Service Committee meeting, when McCain pressed him on his proposal to send more troops to Iraq: "I've met with every divisional commander, General Casey, the corps commander, General Dempsey - we all talked together. And I said, 'In your professional opinion, if we were to bring in more American troops now, does it add considerably to our ability to achieve success in Iraq?' And they all said no. And the reason is because we want the Iraqis to do more...
...Levin, who had voted against Gates's nomination to be CIA director 15 years ago, seemed almost relieved that he was willing now to take over the Defense Department. Simply hearing Gates acknowledge that the U.S. was not winning the war is "a necessary refreshing breath of reality," Levin said. Gates's candor is "something that has been sorely lacking," added Sen. Hillary Clinton, another Democrat on the committee...
...Levin, however, predicted a "speedy confirmation" for Gates. A vote on the Senate floor is expected this week, perhaps as early as Wednesday. Levin was one of those who voted against Gates when he last appeared before the Senate for confirmation hearings - after George Herbert Walker Bush picked him to be CIA director in 1991 and critics accused him slanting intelligence to suit anti-Soviet hardliners during the Reagan administration. Levin threw out only one softball question about those old charges - which Gates easily handled. Levin was far more interested in how Gates would deal with Iraq...