Gates, Obama: Different Parties, Similar Views

Defense secretary wants to close Gitmo, focus on Afghanistan

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 27, 2008 11:16 AM CST

(Newser) – Assuming he keeps his job, Robert Gates will have a transformed set of instructions come Jan. 20: Once charged with winning the war in Iraq, the defense secretary will now have to end it. But Gates and Barack Obama have substantial agreements about the nation's military strategy, the New York Times reports, from shifting more troops to Afghanistan to shutting down Guantanamo.

Early in his tenure, Gates pushed hard to close Gitmo, although he was overruled. And while the defense secretary does not favor a unilateral withdrawal from Iraq, he is already planning significant decreases in American troop levels there. The president-elect, for his part, has said that he would withdraw all combat troops from Iraq, but not all American forces—possibly disappointing supporters who responded to his promise to "end the war."

Condoleezza Rice and Robert Gates walk off the field after taking part in the coin toss before the start of the Notre Dame and Navy NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates stands during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates makes remarks at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)

President-elect Barack Obama listens to a reporter's question during a news conference in Chicago, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Gates, Obama: Different Parties, Similar Views

Defense secretary wants to close Gitmo, focus on Afghanistan

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Reports: Gates Will Remain at Pentagon

'Done deal' that Bush appointee will stay at least 1 year under Obama

Obama Likely to Keep Gates at Defense

But Bush secretary opposes setting a timeline to leave Iraq

Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

Military to Ease Off on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Gays outed by third parties won't be prosecuted

Gates Axes F-22 in Pentagon Budget Overhaul

Defense sec cuts deep, readies dep't for this century's wars

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Gates, Obama: Different Parties, Similar Views

Defense secretary wants to close Gitmo, focus on Afghanistan

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Barack Obama • Pentagon • Robert Gates • Department of Defense • Iraq exit strategy • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Reports: Gates Will Remain at Pentagon

'Done deal' that Bush appointee will stay at least 1 year under Obama

Obama Likely to Keep Gates at Defense

But Bush secretary opposes setting a timeline to leave Iraq

Obama: 'Our War in Iraq Ends This Month'

President promises US will still have 'strong presence'

Military to Ease Off on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Gays outed by third parties won't be prosecuted

Gates Axes F-22 in Pentagon Budget Overhaul

Defense sec cuts deep, readies dep't for this century's wars

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