Head of Central Command Says Cheney Wrong on Iraq

While Rumsfeld was out supporting the contention that Iraq is not a quagmire, his own General was contradicting the rosy view of Iraq being painted by Vice President Cheney.

'During a tense Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Army Gen. John Abizaid, who as head of Central Command is the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, declined to endorse Vice President Dick Cheney's assessment that Iraq's insurgency was in its "last throes."

Abizaid said insurgents' strength had not diminished and that more foreign fighters were coming into Iraq than six months ago. "There's a lot of work to be done against the insurgency," Abizaid said, adding: "I'm sure you'll forgive me from criticizing the vice president."'