Robert Gates actually said...

Iraq's ability to plan and conduct legitimate elections--to include the recently concluded provincial elections--is a significant demonstration of the Government of Iraq's development and maturation.

Context

Gates highlights Iraq's election planning as a sign of governmental progress.

01/26/2009

https://www.congress.gov...

More Robert Gates Quotes

The costs of healthcare are eating the Department alive.
3/9/2010
U.S. troops could leave Afghanistan earlier than planned. Any change in timing would have to be quote, 'conditions based'.
3/9/2010
the most important military component in the War on Terror is not the fighting we do ourselves, but how well we enable and empower our partn...
3/9/2010
apart from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, my highest priority as Secretary of Defense is improving the outpatient care and transition exp...
3/9/2010

View All Robert Gates Quotes