E-mail a friendMarch 11, 2009
From the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates comments on the latest developments in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Obama's recent announcement of a date certain for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq and reshaping the Pentagon for the needs of the 21st century.
Robert Gates
Robert Gates
Defense Secretary explains what the department has learned about the idea that they could shock and awe people into behaving a certain way. (1:12)
Full interview. (24:32)
Sworn in as Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush, Robert Gates continues to serve in that role in President Obama's cabinet. He previously spent nearly 27 years in intelligence—including becoming the only career officer in CIA history to rise from entry-level employee to director—and served eight presidents. He was also a member of the Iraq Study Group. Before returning to public service, Gates was president of Texas A&M University. He holds a Ph.D. in Russian and Soviet history from Georgetown University.
