US defense secretary resigns

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-09-2006 09:29

And just one day after midterm elections US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has stepped down from his post. This, after opposition to the war in Iraq contributed to heavy Republican losses and changed the balance of power in the legislative branch of the US. Rumsfeld's successor will be former CIA director, Robert Gates.

Rumsfeld had been facing calls from both Democrats and Republicans to resign over his handling of the Iraq War.

Critics described him as arrogant and disdainful of Congress. They also complained he was responsible for alienating even Republican allies. And they say Rumsfeld disregarded advice that could have created better results, and less turmoil, in Iraq.