Gates to Petraeus: "Iraqi Freedom" to Become "New Dawn"

The change, which goes into effect on September 1, 2010, sounds a little like "Mission Accomplished." But this time, maybe a good chunk of soldiers really will be pulled back home.
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National Security high-tech intel expert Christopher Tucker -- who probably will run the CIA one day -- sent me this bit of interesting news.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has agreed to General David Petraeus' request to change "Operation Iraqi Freedom" to "Operation New Dawn."

The change goes into effect on September 1, 2010.

It sounds a little like "Mission Accomplished" -- but this time, maybe a good chunk of soldiers really will be pulled back home.

Here is the text of the letter:

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE1000 DEFENSE PENTAGONWASHINGTON, DC 20301-1000

MEMORANDUM FOR THE COMMANDER, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND

SUBJECT: Request to Change the Name of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM to Operation NEW DAWN

The requested operation name change is approved to take effect 1 September 2010, coinciding with the change of mission for U.S. forces in Iraq. Aligning the name change with the change of mission sends a strong signal that Operation IRAQI FREEDOM has ended and our forces are operating under a new mission. It also presents opportunities to synchronize strategic communication initiatives, reinforce our commitment to honor the Security Agreement, and recognize our evolving relationship with the Government of Iraq.

Robert M. Gates

cc: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

-- Steve Clemons publishes the popular political blog, The Washington Note. Clemons can be followed on Twitter @SCClemons

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