Pace goes to keep war process details out of the light

General 'sacrificed' to clear decks on Iraq | Iraq | Guardian Unlimited: "It was also seen as an extraordinary retreat for an administration which had earlier prided itself on its resolve in pursuing policy matters, as well as loyalty to personnel. Mr Gates told the press conference that conversations in recent weeks with both Republican and Democratic senators had convinced him that a confirmation process would have shone the spotlight on the prosecution of the war."

Yeah, God forbid we should do that.