Dec 2, 2009
the date of July 2011 to begin thinning our forces and transitioning the security responsibilities to the Afghans is a firm date that the President has established
Robert Gates
The Public Record
Robert Gates is a prominent Republican figure from Texas, known for his extensive career in public service and academia. He served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011 under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. Gates played a crucial role in shaping U.S. military policy during the Iraq War and the early years of the Afghanistan War, advocating for a focus on counterinsurgency operations and the need for military reform. He has also held positions as the president of Texas A&M University and as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Gates is recognized for his pragmatic approach to defense and national security issues, often emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation in governance. In recent public statements, he has expressed concerns about the use of continuing resolutions in government budgeting, highlighting the need for more stable fiscal policies.
congress.gov
Dec 2, 2009
the conditions, the improved conditions that you referred to, in Iraq have allowed for the early withdrawal of at least one brigade
Dec 2, 2009
Neither of which is achievable in any realistic timeframe, or sustainable, given the costs and everything else.
Dec 2, 2009
The July 2011 date is the date on which we begin to transfer authority and responsibility to Afghan security forces.
Dec 2, 2009
the truth is, there is a great deal of mistrust on the part of the Pakistanis toward us.
Dec 2, 2009
It is to reverse the momentum of the Taliban. It is to deny them control of territory in Afghanistan.
Dec 1, 2009
I have felt, ever since I got this job, that we have been too focused on the central government in Kabul.
Dec 1, 2009
we need to think in terms of a very long-term willingness to work with the Afghans.
Dec 1, 2009
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 on for another 10 years.
Dec 1, 2009
the July 2011 date was chosen because it will be 2 years after the Marines arrived in Helmand.
Dec 1, 2009
How do we refine and narrow the mission to make it achievable, and achieve the objectives, in terms of our own security?
Dec 1, 2009
We are not an occupation force. Afghans must take primary responsibility for defending their own country.
Dec 1, 2009
A stable security situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan is vital to our national security.
Dec 1, 2009
Our hope is that the President's speech last night, and his decisions, will help change the political dynamic among some of our allies.
Dec 1, 2009
We will not repeat the mistake--and we must not repeat the mistake--of 1989 and turn our backs on these folks.
Dec 1, 2009
Let's not forget about contract monitors, logistical experts, and so on, to make sure that we're doing this right.
Dec 1, 2009
What is essential for our national security is that we have two long-term partners in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Dec 1, 2009
Ambassador Eikenberry and General McChrystal are, as we speak, working on a joint civil-military campaign plan.
Dec 1, 2009
All of our combat forces are to be out by the end of August 2010, and all forces out by the end of 2011.
Dec 1, 2009
We want to communicate to the Afghans this is not an open-ended commitment on the part of the American people and our allies around the world.
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