July 31, 2007 5:35PM 

# Department of “This Isn’t News” 

By [Justin Logan](https://www.cato.org/people/justin-logan) 

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During today’s confirmation hearing for Admiral Michael Mullen’s appointment as chairman of the JCS, [here he is on the outlook for Iraq](http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN3123378320070731):

> “I do think we will be there for years, not months. But I don’t see it (Iraq) as a permanent — you know, on a permanent base at this point.”

More on the meaning of the word “permanent” [here](https://www.cato.org/2007/05/30/presidents-say-the-darnedest-things/).

##### Related Tags 

[Defense and Foreign Policy](https://www.cato.org/defense-foreign-policy) 

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