Robert Gates: “turbulent, unstable, and unpredictable times have recurred to challenge U.S. leaders regularly since World War II”

I think part of the problem is that at the end of the Cold War, we were affected by triumphalism or hubris, whatever you want to call it.

He is deeply knowledgeable about the international scene and geopolitics.

My staff and I have learned that it was nearly impossible to get accurate information and answers to questions such as, 'How much money did you spend?' and, 'How many people do you have?'

I think the only thing I would've said is that a lot of this could've been done sooner.