Robert Gates
latest news & developments
Libya war exposes ‘Nato’s chronic weaknesses’
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has upbraided Nato for its dependence on the US military, saying this puts the alliance’s mission in Libya at risk.
Gaddafi seen on ‘back foot’ as fighting rages
Libyan rebels appear to be gaining ground against Muammer Gaddafii, the British defence minister said, despite a deadly attack on Misrata port.
Gates: China’s military advances challenge US power
A United States military presence in the Pacific is essential to restrain Chinese assertiveness, Washington’s defence chief said on Friday.
US again urges North Korea to meet its obligations
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Friday held out the possibility of a resumption of six-party talks if North Korea ceases provocations.
US, China play down military rivalry
The defence chiefs of the United States and China on Monday sought to play down a growing military rivalry between the two countries.
West wants solidarity as Iran steps up nuclear programme
Iran has declared it will begin enriching its uranium stockpile to a higher level, further raising fears over the country’s nuclear ambitions.
US: al-Qaeda could provoke India-Pakistan conflict
Al-Qaeda is seeking to destabilise South Asia and could trigger a war between Pakistan and India, US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday.
US decision can’t wait for Afghan legitimacy
The United States cannot wait for problems surrounding the legitimacy of the Afghan government to be resolved before making a decision on troops.
Gates blames past lack of troops for Taliban edge
Defence Secretary Robert Gates blamed the Taliban’s revival on a failure to deploy enough troops to Afghanistan and said US forces would not withdraw.
After flurry of early activity, Obama doctrine takes shape
We’re only 50 days in, but it’s not too soon to discern a refreshing thread of logic in the president’s foreign policy.
Obama sees $40bn savings in spending reforms
Barack Obama on Wednesday will order a crackdown on waste and cost overruns in government procurement that could save up to -billion a year.
Gates: US missile strikes in Pakistan to continue
President Barack Obama is retaining a powerful but controversial US weapon left over from the Bush administration’s battle against terrorism.
Pentagon chief in Iraq to transfer war command
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates flew into Baghdad on Monday, preparing to hand command of the war in Iraq to a new general.
Burma junta under new pressure over cyclone victims
Burma’s junta on Saturday came under renewed international pressure from rights groups and the United States defence chief, who said its slow response to the cyclone disaster had…
Battles kill 13 in Sadr City, blockade eased
United States and Iraqi forces killed 13 gunmen in clashes and air strikes overnight in the Baghdad stronghold of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who said the US would remain his enemy…