Defense Chief Says Iran Faces ‘Severe’ New Sanctions
By BRIAN KNOWLTON (NYTimes Online Yesterday)
Emphasizing his strong preference for a diplomatic solution, Robert M. Gates said that Iran faces “severe additional sanctions” over its nuclear program.

Shouldn't this kind of pronouncement be made by the of Sec of State -- if not the President himself? I thought the Defense Dept carried out policy as opposed to setting it. Maybe he thinks he's Rumsfeld. Maybe he is.