Opinion: Dear Senator Clinton,

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In the kabuki-style of political theatrics that now dominate Washington, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has sent a conciliatory letter to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in an attempt to defuse what he calls ‘an important discussion’ that ‘went astray.’

Clinton has been making much on the stump recently of a previous Defense Department letter which she says impugned her patriotism and declined to disclose Bush administration plans for drawing down troops in Iraq because it could help the enemy. Undersecretary Eric Edelman called Clinton’s inquiry ‘premature’ and said it ‘reinforces enemy propaganda that the United States will abandon its allies in Iraq, much as we are perceived to have done in Vietnam, Lebanon and Somalia.’

Gates said he fully supports congressional oversight ‘as a fundamental element of our system of government’ and he would work with Clinton and the Senate Armed Services Committee to ‘establish a process to keep you apprised of the conceptual thinking, factors, considerations, questions and objectives associated with drawdown planning.’

He also assured her that drawdown planning was actively underway. But he said it has been the department’s long-standing policy over many administrations and decades that operational military plans including contingency plans not be shared with Congress or other executive departments.

‘We all recognize,’ he added, ‘that there are multiple audiences for what we say, and need to be careful not to undermine the morale of our troops or encourage our enemies.’

For her part....

Clinton’s Senate office released a statement expressing disappointment for Gates not repudiating the earlier letter but welcoming his acknowledgement of congressional oversight and the disclosure that drawdown contingency planning is actually underway. She said she looked forward to defense briefings on the plans.

But, the Clinton statement pointedly added, ‘to ensure that Secretary Gates’ sentiments are fulfilled, she will continue to to pursue with Senator Kerry their legislation mandating that the Pentagon brief Congress on contingency planning to ensure the safe and secure redeployment of our troops from Iraq.’

Which may bring this story back down to Defcon 3. There are more details in tonight’s story and in Wednesday’s print editions.

--Andrew Malcolm