Contradicting Stories

Today I found this piece of news I found at Reuters, USA Today, and Yahoo.com.
Robert Gates, the man that President Bush to be Defense Secretary, has said the US is not winning the War in Iraq. gates had claimed there were not enough troops when they were deployed in 2003. He also has stated that leaving Iraq would create furtehr turmoil in Iraq.
Dr. Robert Gates was the man selected by President Bush to replace Donald Rumsfeld. I am hoping this man will give a new direction for America's troops in Iraq. It looks like America will probably do most of this on their own.
I feel that it should have had better planning before jumping into the war. USA Today also reported that more troops were needed in Afganistan.
Keith Ellison, the first Muslim American to be elected to congress has chosen to take his oath on the Quran. This has caused some public outcry because of his choice. I feel it should be his choice on the book to take his oath on. The voters knew he was a Muslim when they elected him and Mr. Ellison should be able to take his oath and be sworn in on the Quran if he chooses.
I have no idea why people are making such an issue out of it. The voters have spoken, let the man take his oath on what ever book he chooses, and let him do his job.

Article IV of the United States Constitution reads:
"The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."