Major print media ignored Fallon's professed ignorance of Iraq plans

Written by Simon Maloy

Published

Several major print outlets ignored statements by President Bush's nominee to lead Central Command that indicated he has “not gotten into the detail” of Bush's plan to increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq and does “not know the details of how he [Bush] plans to use” the additional troops.

In reporting on the January 30 Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Adm. William J. Fallon, President Bush's nominee to lead Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, several major print outlets ignored Fallon's statements that he has “not gotten into the detail” of Bush's plan to increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq and does “not know the details of how he [Bush] plans to use” the additional troops.

Fallon's comments did not appear in the January 31 print editions of The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, or The Wall Street Journal. In contrast, the January 31 Washington Times featured a front-page article on Fallon's hearing headlined: “I don't know the details.” From the Washington Times article:

The admiral picked by President Bush to oversee his new strategy for Iraq testified yesterday that he does not know much about the plan that the administration says will determine whether the U.S. wins the war.

“I have not gotten into the detail of these plans,” Adm. William J. Fallon told the Senate Armed Services Committee, adding that he has been concentrating on his current job as head of the U.S. Pacific Command.

Adm. Fallon specifically declined to endorse Mr. Bush's plan, saying he first has to get to the region and assess matters.

The admiral's lack of knowledge startled some senators.

“I'm surprised that you don't have that understanding going in, frankly,” said Sen. Carl Levin, Michigan Democrat and panel chairman. He had asked whether the flow of new troops could be slowed based on battlefield conditions.

The admiral, whose expertise centers on sea power and diplomacy in dealing with China, said he will leave the Iraq battle decisions to Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, who leaves for Baghdad this week as the top U.S. commander in Iraq. The admiral appeared before the panel for confirmation hearings on his appointment to lead the U.S. Central Command.

“I do not know the details of how he plans to use” the new troops, Adm. Fallon said. “I'm sure he's going to have to consult with his generals on the ground once he gets into position and then figure it out.”

A January 30 New York Times online-only article noted Fallon's comments and Levin's response, as did washingtonpost.com blogger William M. Arkin on January 31.