Secretary of Defence Robert Gates's last battle

Gerald · 06-10-11, 07:30 AM

After serving presidents Bush and Obama, Robert Gates is retiring at the end of the month.

Robert Gates is fighting his last battle. Few defence secretaries have been so widely praised as a wise and calm adviser. After serving both George W Bush and Barack Obama, he is now finishing up a farewell tour.

Whether saying goodbye to soldiers in Afghanistan, or Nato colleagues in Europe, his message is the same, and it is meant to be heard in the White House.

From Nato headquarters he said: "Having arrived in Brussels after my 12th and last visit to Afghanistan as secretary of defence, I shared my view that we are making substantial progress on the ground.

I also reiterated my belief that these gains could be threatened if we do not proceed with the transition to Afghan security lead in a deliberate, organised and co-ordinated manner.

"Even as the United States begins to draw down in the next month, I assured my fellow ministers there will be no rush to the exits on our part. And we expect the same from our allies."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13722359

Note: 9 June 2011 Last updated at 23:09 GMT

flatsixes · 06-10-11, 11:19 AM

True to form, Gate's parting shot was a doozy. A long overdue doozy.

Quote:

“The blunt reality is that there will be dwindling appetite and patience in the U.S. Congress, and in the American body politic writ large, to expend increasingly precious funds on behalf of nations that are apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources ... to be serious and capable partners in their own defense

Ahem......

Jimbuna · 06-10-11, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatsixes

True to form, Gate's parting shot was a doozy. A long overdue doozy.

Ahem......

I saw that on the UK news today and think he is making a valid point.

mookiemookie · 06-10-11, 06:07 PM

After reading stories about how inept the Afghani army and police forces are, I think it's a very good point.

MH · 06-10-11, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mookiemookie

After reading stories about how inept the Afghani army and police forces are, I think it's a very good point.

Its to be expected of afghans.
Wasn't he referring more to European inept and defence budgets cuts?

mookiemookie · 06-10-11, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MH

Its to be expected of afghans.
Wasn't he referring more to European inept and defence budgets cuts?

Oh, I guess he was, wasn't he? But that's also a good point too. The U.S. cannot continue to shoulder the financial load for everyone.

06-10-11, 07:30 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Secretary of Defence Robert Gates's last battle After serving presidents Bush and Obama, Robert Gates is retiring at the end of the month. Robert Gates is fighting his last battle. Few defence secretaries have been so widely praised as a wise and calm adviser. After serving both George W Bush and Barack Obama, he is now finishing up a farewell tour. Whether saying goodbye to soldiers in Afghanistan, or Nato colleagues in Europe, his message is the same, and it is meant to be heard in the White House. From Nato headquarters he said: "Having arrived in Brussels after my 12th and last visit to Afghanistan as secretary of defence, I shared my view that we are making substantial progress on the ground. I also reiterated my belief that these gains could be threatened if we do not proceed with the transition to Afghan security lead in a deliberate, organised and co-ordinated manner. "Even as the United States begins to draw down in the next month, I assured my fellow ministers there will be no rush to the exits on our part. And we expect the same from our allies." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13722359 Note: 9 June 2011 Last updated at 23:09 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

06-10-11, 06:07 PM	#4
mookiemookie Navy Seal Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 9,404 Downloads: 105 Uploads: 1	After reading stories about how inept the Afghani army and police forces are, I think it's a very good point. __________________ They don’t think it be like it is, but it do. Want more U-boat Kaleun portraits for your SH3 Commander Profiles? Download the SH3 Commander Portrait Pack here.