Is Gates blowing off Bush's playbook in Iraq?

As the president pushes for more time and money for the war, the Pentagon chief's message has seemed to run counter.

By PETER SPIEGEL and JULIAN E. BARNES
Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

Filed 5.6.07

WASHINGTON — President Bush has mobilized his administration, including his top general in Iraq, in a major push to win more time and money for his war strategy. But one crucial voice has been missing from the chorus: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates'.

In fact, Gates' recent comments seem to run counter to the message from the White House. During a recent trip to the Middle East, Gates told the Iraqi government that time was running out and praised Democratic efforts in the U.S. Congress to set a timetable for withdrawal, saying it would help prod the Iraqis. He reiterated that point during a meeting with reporters last week.

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Photo captions & credits: "As Bush pushes for more time in Iraq, the Pentagon chief has said time is running out." By Mikhail Metzel/AFP/Getty Images