Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[Tom K]

Ergo, I believe the problem we've seen over the past two weeks is the interpretation of such statements, not the statements itself. What Rumfeld said is that "it's not unreasonable to suspect the same (mass surrenders) might occur" but such "hypotheticals" shouldn't be counted on.

I don't know when Rumsfeld was quoted in the interview cited, but it seems to be before CENTCOM and the Pentagon promoted a different option altogether. CENTCOM didn't want mass surrenders, so they leafleted Iraqi troops instructing them to lay down their arms and to return to their barracks. That hasn't stopped the media from criticizing the administration for over-optimistic expectations. Their proof? Lack of mass surrenders.