Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Yahoo! News Photos

An Iraqi firefighter holds a hose as people crowd around a flipped ...

(AFP) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:02:09 GMT

(AFP) - An Iraqi firefighter holds a hose as people crowd around a flipped vehicle following a car bomb at a central market in the northern city of Kirkuk, 255 kms from the capital Baghdad. Violence may continue in certain parts of Iraq in the coming months after US troops pull out of the country's cities, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday.(AFP/Marwan Ibrahim)

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, seen here on June 12, 2009, ...

(AFP/File) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:37:40 GMT

(AFP/File) - US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, seen here on June 12, 2009, speaks during a press conference at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Gates said yesteday he was out to reassure NATO allies over concerns about a possible "Americanization" of the war effort in Afghanistan.(AFP/File/John Thys)

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, seen here on June 9, 2009, ...

(AFP/File) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:15:47 GMT

(AFP/File) - US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, seen here on June 9, 2009, said violence may continue in certain parts of Iraq in the coming months after US troops pull out of the country's cities.(AFP/File/Tim Sloan)

The new commander of the United States European Command (US ...

(AP) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:46:30 GMT

(AP) - The new commander of the United States European Command (US EUCOM), Admiral James G. Stavridis, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates during the change of command ceremony at the Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, Tuesday, June 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle)

The new commander of the United States European Command (US ...

(AP) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:46:03 GMT

(AP) - The new commander of the United States European Command (US EUCOM), Admiral James G. Stavridis, right, receives the colors from U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, left, during the change of command ceremony at the Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, Tuesday, June 30, 2009. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle)

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates gives a press conference after ...

(AFP/File) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:58:21 GMT

(AFP/File) - US Defence Secretary Robert Gates gives a press conference after the Council Minister of Defence meeting at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels, on June 12, 2009. Gates will visit Germany on Tuesday for a brief trip to oversee a change in command at the head of US forces in Europe, and to visit US soldiers injured in Afghanistan and Iraq.(AFP/File/John Thys)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks in Miami, Thursday, June ...

(AP) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:22:09 GMT

(AP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks in Miami, Thursday, June 25, 2009, during a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Southern Command, where Air Force Gen. Douglas M. Fraser assumed command of the U.S. Southern Command. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in Brussels, June 11, 2009. ...

(Reuters) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:34:33 GMT

(Reuters) - Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in Brussels, June 11, 2009. REUTERS/Yves Herman

United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates, pictured in May ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:55:46 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates, pictured in May 2009. The US military has set up a new "cyberspace" command designed to bolster the country's defenses against threats to computer networks and to wage digital warfare, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Mark Wilson)

Iran's F-5 fighter jet lands in Chabahar city, south of ...

(AFP/FARS NEWS) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:28:40 GMT

(AFP/FARS NEWS) - Iran's F-5 fighter jet lands in Chabahar city, south of Iran during a military exercise. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Tuesday that Gulf states needed to lend support to Iraq in the face of efforts by Iran to "destabilize" the Baghdad government.(AFP/FARS NEWS/Ebrahim Norouzi)

United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates,seen here in May ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:34:12 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates,seen here in May 2009, said on Tuesday that Gulf states needed to lend support to Iraq in the face of efforts by Iran to "destabilize" the Baghdad government.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Mark Wilson)

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, awaits ...

(AP) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:13:12 GMT

(AP) - Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, awaits the arrival of Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who spoke at U.S. Central Command's Gulf States Chiefs of Defense Conference, Tuesday, June 23,2009, at a hotel in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Military leaders rise at the U.S. Central Command's Gulf States ...

(AP) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:49:33 GMT

(AP) - Military leaders rise at the U.S. Central Command's Gulf States Chiefs of Defense Conference in Washington, Tuesday, June 23, 2009, for the arrival of Defense Secretary Robert Gates. From left are: Gen. Babakir Bader-Khan, the chief of staff of Iraq's armed forces, Maj. Gen. Hamad Bin Ali Al-Attiyah, Qatar's armed forces chief, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bin Abdallah Bin Hamad Al-Marshad, commander of Saudi Arabia's land forces, and Brig. Gen. Ahmad Mahmoud Al Rahmani, Kuwait's armed forces director. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks at the U.S. Central Command's ...

(AP) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:42:16 GMT

(AP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks at the U.S. Central Command's Gulf States Chiefs of Defense Conference, Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at a hotel. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Egypt's Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Sami Enan, second ...

(AP) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:31:19 GMT

(AP) - Egypt's Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Sami Enan, second from right, prepares for the meeting of the Gulf States chiefs of defense and a speech by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Tuesday, June 23, 2009,in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks at the U.S. Central Command's ...

(AP) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:23:28 GMT

(AP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks at the U.S. Central Command's Gulf States Chiefs of Defense Conference, Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at a hotel in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks at the U.S. Central Command's ...

(AP) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:07:48 GMT

(AP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks at the U.S. Central Command's Gulf States Chiefs of Defense Conference, Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at a hotel in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, seen here in May 2009, has ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:15:58 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, seen here in May 2009, has concerns about a possible North Korean missile launch towards Hawaii.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Mark Wilson)

A missile is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake ...

(AFP/US Navy/File) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:15:58 GMT

(AFP/US Navy/File) - A missile is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie during a test in the Pacific Ocean. The US military has moved additional defenses to Hawaii in case North Korea launches a missile towards the Pacific island chain, Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said.(AFP/US Navy/File)

This image provided by the U.S. Navy shows the heavy lift vessel ...

(AP) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:52:22 GMT

(AP) - This image provided by the U.S. Navy shows the heavy lift vessel MV Blue Marlin entering Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with the Sea Based X-Band Radar (SBX) aboard Jan. 9 2006. SBX is a combination of the world�s largest phased array X-band radar carried aboard a mobile, ocean-going semi-submersible oil platform. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday June 18, 2009 that the military has set up additional defenses around Hawaii, consisting of a ground-based mobile missile system and a radar system nearby. Together they could shoot an incoming missile in mid air. (AP Photo/US Navy - Ryan C. McGinley)

U.S. Secretary of the Defense Robert Gates (L), administers ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:32:17 GMT

(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of the Defense Robert Gates (L), administers the Oath of Office to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington in this June 18, 2009 handout photo. Holding the Bible for their father are Kate Mabus, 8, (3rd L), and Elisabeth Mabus (C), as Annie Mabus, 17, (R) looks on. Mabus, the former Governor of Mississippi, is the 75th Secretary of the Navy. REUTERS/Joseph P. Cirone/U.S. Navy photo/Handout (UNITED STATES MILITARY POLITICS) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS

This photo provided by the U.S. Navy shows Secretary of Defense ...

(AP) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:24:42 GMT

(AP) - This photo provided by the U.S. Navy shows Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, left, administering the Oath of Office to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus Thursday, June 18, 2009 at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington D.C. Holding the Bible for their father are Kate Mabus, 8, bottom left, and Elisabeth Mabus, center, as Annie Mabus, 17, looks on. Mabus, the former Governor of Mississippi, is the 75th Secretary of the Navy. (AP Photo/U.S. Navy, Joseph P. Cirone)

United States Air Force F-22 Raptor takes off from Nellis Air ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:12:16 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - United States Air Force F-22 Raptor takes off from Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2006. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday a move by US lawmakers to reject his advice and fund the production of a dozen more F-22 fighters was a "big problem."(AFP/Getty Images/File/Ethan Miller)

The United States has concerns about a possible North Korean ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:26:23 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - The United States has concerns about a possible North Korean missile launch towards Hawaii and has taken steps to ensure the protection of US territory, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, pictured in May 2009, said on Thursday.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Mark Wilson)

Missiles at a war museum in Seoul. The United States has concerns ...

(AFP/File) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:26:23 GMT

(AFP/File) - Missiles at a war museum in Seoul. The United States has concerns about a possible North Korean missile launch towards Hawaii and has taken steps to ensure the protection of US territory, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said.(AFP/File/Philippe Lopez)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates takes part in a news conference ...

(AP) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:24:12 GMT

(AP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates takes part in a news conference at the Pentagon, Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen, right, accompanied ...

(AP) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:12:45 GMT

(AP) - Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen, right, accompanied by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, gestures during a news conference at the Pentagon, Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, and Joint Chiefs Chairman ...

(AP) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:09:56 GMT

(AP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen, speak to reporters during, at the Pentagon, Thursday, June 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

FILE - In this May 20, 2009 file photo, Defense Secretary Robert ...

(AP) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:41:10 GMT

(AP) - FILE - In this May 20, 2009 file photo, Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, is joined by House Appropriations-Defense subcommittee Chairman Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., on Capitol Hill in Washington. With the U.S. looking to cut defense costs and rethinking the way it fights wars, many contractors need overseas buyers to take the big, pricey weapons that the Pentagon no longer wants or needs fewer of. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File)

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates gives a press conference after ...

(AFP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:24:52 GMT

(AFP) - US Defence Secretary Robert Gates gives a press conference after the Council Minister of Defence meeting at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Gates accused Iran Friday of playing a "double game" in Afghanistan, by professing to want good ties while undermining NATO-led efforts to provide security.(AFP/John Thys)

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates answers questions during a ...

(AFP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:23:19 GMT

(AFP) - US Defence Secretary Robert Gates answers questions during a press conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. Top US and NATO officials have urged forces in Afghanistan to do their utmost to limit civilian casualties, saying that every killing of an innocent Afghan citizen undermines their mission.(AFP/John Thys)

Iranian soldiers keep watch from a tower built to prevent drug ...

(AFP/File) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:53:14 GMT

(AFP/File) - Iranian soldiers keep watch from a tower built to prevent drug trafficking in the southeastern town of Zabol. The town is near Iran's border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, and sits on a major drug trafficking route. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has accused Iran of playing a "double game" in Afghanistan, by professing to want good ties while undermining NATO-led efforts to provide security.(AFP/File/Atta Kenare)

U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates listens to questions ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:33:13 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates listens to questions during a media conference after a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday June 12, 2009. NATO defense ministers say they have decided to continue the alliance's anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa when the current mission ends later this month. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates listens to questions ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:29:21 GMT

U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates gestures while speaking ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:28:42 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates gestures while speaking during a media conference after a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday June 12, 2009. NATO defense ministers say they have decided to continue the alliance's anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa when the current mission ends later this month. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates holds a news conference ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:17:56 GMT

(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates holds a news conference at the end of a NATO defence ministers' meeting at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels June 12, 2009. REUTERS/Yves Herman (BELGIUM POLITICS MILITARY)

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates holds a news conference ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:16:49 GMT

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates holds a news conference ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:16:46 GMT

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates holds a news conference ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:15:38 GMT

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates holds a news conference ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:13:23 GMT

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates holds a news conference ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:12:10 GMT

U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates speaks during a media ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:10:07 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates speaks during a media conference after a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday June 12, 2009. NATO defense ministers say they have decided to continue the alliance's anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa when the current mission ends later this month. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates gestures while speaking ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:09:11 GMT

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates holds a news conference ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:08:46 GMT

U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates, right, shares a word ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:00:25 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates, right, shares a word with the new top commander for Afghanistan American General Stanley McCrystal during a round table meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday June 12, 2009. NATO defense ministers say they have decided to continue the alliance's anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa when the current mission ends later this month. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, right, shares ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:59:27 GMT

(AP) - NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, right, shares a word with U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates, center, and the new top commander for Afghanistan American General Stanley McCrystal during a round table meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday June 12, 2009. NATO defense ministers say they have decided to continue the alliance's anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa when the current mission ends later this month. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

British Defense Secretary Bob Ainsworth, left, and American ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:57:04 GMT

(AP) - British Defense Secretary Bob Ainsworth, left, and American counterpart Robert Gates attend a round table meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday June 12, 2009. NATO defense ministers say they have decided to continue the alliance's anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa when the current mission ends later this month. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates, left front, shares ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:54:00 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates, left front, shares a word with the new top commander for Afghanistan American General Stanley McCrystal during a round table meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday June 12, 2009. NATO defense ministers say they have decided to continue the alliance's anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa when the current mission ends later this month. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates, right, walks with the ...

(AP) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:53:10 GMT

(AP) - U.S. Secretary for Defense Robert Gates, right, walks with the new top commander for Afghanistan American General Stanley McCrystal during a round table meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Friday June 12, 2009. NATO defense ministers say they have decided to continue the alliance's anti-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa when the current mission ends later this month. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates attends a North Atlantic ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:44:26 GMT

(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates attends a North Atlantic Council with Non-NATO ISAF Contributors on the last day of a NATO defence ministers' meeting at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels June 12, 2009. REUTERS/Yves Herman (BELGIUM POLITICS MILITARY)