Gates repairs interagency intelligence relations

I have to admit I had serious doubts about new Defense Secretary Robert Gates, but he's acquitted himself well so far. He's taken the lead in rooting out those responsible for the dismal treatment of our war wounded and they say he has a more inclusive approach to consulting with the key players within the Defense department. But even more encouraging is Gates' move to dismantle Rummy's personal secret intelligence network.

Rumsfeld appeared to be channelling Herbert Hoover in creating a network of spies answerable only to himself and with unclear objectives other than to keep track of his political enemies. This created an atmosphere of distrust within the different branches of intelligence and only hurt operations critical to battling terrorism. Gates appears to be smoothing some ruffled feathers and creating a more harmonious framework between the agencies. Whatever else he does or doesn't do in the future, this seems to me to be a good thing.