Gates Suggests He'll Work Towards Obama Goals

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, whom President-elect Barack Obama has asked to stay on in his current position, today suggested he is open to speeding up U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center, two of Obama's stated goals.

As the Associated Press reports, Gates said in a press conference that military commanders are now looking at how they might pull troops out in accordance with the 16-month timetable pushed by Obama during his presidential campaign.

"Commanders are already looking at what the implications of that are in terms of the potential for accelerating the drawdown and in terms of how we meet our obligations to the Iraqis," Gates said.

As the AP notes, "although he has repeatedly insisted that any drawdown in Iraq must be based on security conditions there, Gates said he now finds the 16-month time frame agreeable, since Obama has said he will listen to his commanders and pull forces out responsibly." He pointed out that the new security agreement in Iraq had changed the situation for the U.S.

The only Republican thus far named to Obama's cabinet also said he would work with Congress on legislation resulting in the closing of the Guantanamo Bay facility.

And he addressed the fact that for the past two years, he has talked repeatedly of his intension to leave Washington at the end of President Bush's term.

"I guess I would say that I was engaged in my own form of strategic deterrence," Gates said, according to the AP. "It was my hope that if I made enough noise about how much I did not want to stay here and how much I wanted to go back to the Northwest that I wouldn't have to worry about the question ever being asked." But when asked, he said, he could not say no.

[armydog2]

What did you guys think he would be redeploying troops already? This has to be done responsibly, with the safety of our Troops in mind. This will definitely be the most dangerous time for them.

[pensacola98]

Gates has difficult task. Iran was overthrown in 1953 and had a pro-western government for 26 years until 1979. Iraq could easily follow the Iranian political model, especially if the government is not beneficial for the overwhelming majority of the Iraqi citizens. The era of sectarian violence is still active, but at this time, more Iraqis are facing the brunt rather than the US military.

The British Empire fell when resources became over-extended and her foes slowly installed rebellion insurgency in each of the conquered territories.

The political ideology of USA sponsored capitalism only gains acceptance and agreement when economic performance is strong.

We live in the era of wars of economics rather than wars of political ideologies.

Iraq receives more confusing signals about which is vision to follow. As long as they can sell oil, they don''t need our economic advice.

[promaclaura]

CHANGE WE CAN BELEIVE IN

I voted for him because he said he would have the troops out of Iraq on a firm 16 month time table.

Now he has changed his position on this issue.

This is not what I voted for. Shame he and the media screwed Hillary in the Primaries. At least she is hones.


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Posted by assemblyofso at 07:41 AM : Dec 03, 2008

I don''t believe Hillary would pull the troops out either. There was a reason "code pink" demonstrated over Hillary, she''s too hawkish and this included Iraq. The campaign was full of empty promises and the candidates KNEW this and played the game to win an election.

[assemblyofso]

CHANGE WE CAN BELEIVE IN

I voted for him because he said he would have the troops out of Iraq on a firm 16 month time table.

Now he has changed his position on this issue.

This is not what I voted for. Shame he and the media screwed Hillary in the Primaries. At least she is hones.

[pirmin3]

"Gates Suggests He''ll Work Towards Obama Goals"

Suggests???? You *** well better you dufus. He''s gonna be your boss - and don''t forget it.

[promaclaura]

In his press conference, Gates referred to Barack''s statement about Iraq. Barack did say he would "try" to pull out "combat" troops in 16 months, then said he would heed what his Generals recommendations were. In other words, if his Generals and Gates say 16 months is too early for the conditions on the ground, then we will stay. Gates, when asked, repeated this statement. Note, Barack didn''t say "we are definitely pulling out", he said he would listen to his advisers. I watched both these speeches and Barack has backed way off his immediate withdrawal stance.