Robert Gates

The U.S.-Russia relationship could be adversely affected for years to come.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says a troop drawdown from Iraq is, in fact, a real possibility since he said conditions there have improved dramatically, but adds the final decision will be made by General David Petraeus.

We are clearly working very hard to see if there are opportunities to send additional forces sooner rather than later.

military efforts to capture or kill terrorists are likely to be subordinate to measures to promote local participation in government.

because people were stuck in the old way of doing business, it has been like pulling teeth.

Every time the price of oil goes up by one dollar per barrel, it costs us about $130 million.

In short, based on my experience serving seven Presidents, as former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and now as Secretary of Defense, I am here to make the case for strengthening our capacity to use 'soft' power and for better…

The truth of the matter is, it has been difficult for the -- particularly for the Army to meet my policy decision with respect to 12 months at home for the active force.

I'm a little out of touch here, but to the best of my knowledge the answer to both questions is no.

Regardless of timelines or anything else, the consequences of leaving Iraq in chaos have enormous national security consequences for the United States.

The goal in September is not whether the violence has been significantly reduced or stability has been brought, and it seems to me, but rather whether it has been reduced to a level that the political reconciliation process is moving…

I respectfully disagree with Democratic Senator Harry Reid that the war is lost.

The move is part of President Bush's planned troop increase.

Congress and the White House should explore ways to close the military prison in Guantanamo Bay without releasing its most dangerous detainees.

They are watching what the United States and our coalition partners are doing, and will draw their own conclusions about the reliability of our word and the strength of our commitments.

I am disappointed that some in the Army have not adequately appreciated the seriousness of the situation pertaining to outpatient care at Walter Reed.

I'm just frankly not specifically certain myself of the details.

failing to commit troops and money to the war would be in his view a mark of shame.

Gates is seeking Pakistan's help in preventing an expected Taliban offensive.

If you're in Iraq and trying to kill our troops, then you should consider yourself a target.

I have just been made aware of the discrepancy in the account. And I have asked for the specifics about it.

One of the strong messages that I received today was the desire of the Iraqi government to take a leadership role in addressing some of the challenges.

I think, like -- like most people on the front lines in a battle, they would always like to have more forces.

We have discussed the possibility of a surge and -- and the potential for what it might accomplish.

I look forward to hearing their honest assessments of the situation on the ground, and to having the benefit of their advice, unvarnished and straight from the shoulder, on how to proceed in the weeks and months ahead.