Robert Gates actually said...

A stable security situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan is vital to our national security.

Emphasizing the importance of security in Afghanistan and Pakistan for U.S. national security.

12/01/2009

More Robert Gates Quotes

What is essential for our national security is that we have two long-term partners in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

We will not repeat the mistake--and we must not repeat the mistake--of 1989 and turn our backs on these folks.

I think the other audience, frankly, is the American people, who are weary after 8 years of war, and to let them know this isn't going to go...

Our hope is that the President's speech last night, and his decisions, will help change the political dynamic among some of our allies.