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Special Report

December 2009
Afghanistan
Iraq

Top Stories

U.S. Role in Iraq Remains Critical, Gates Says

KIRKUK, Iraq, Dec. 11, 2009 – The U.S. military role remains critical to preserving gains made in Iraq and helping to prevent sectarian violence in the roll-up to Iraq’s national elections, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told about 300 soldiers and airmen at a town hall session today at Forward Operating Base Warrior. Story

Afghanistan Tops Agenda
At Gates Town Hall

KIRKUK, Iraq, Dec. 11, 2009 – Gather about 300 deployed soldiers and airmen, give them the opportunity to ask the defense secretary about what matters to them, and you might expect to hear questions about military pay and benefits, or complaints about spending too much time away from home. That wasn’t the case today at Forward Operating Base Warrior here. Story

Terror Attacks Dominate
Gates' Meetings in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Dec. 10, 2009 – The recent spate of violence that has rocked the Iraqi capital dominated Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ talks with President Jalal Talabani and Iraq’s Presidency Council, all pledging to continue working cooperatively to combat it. Story

Gates to Discuss Progress, Drawdown in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Dec. 10, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today to meet with Iraqi and U.S. military leaders about continuing progress toward building Iraqi security forces and drawing down the U.S. force presence here to 50,000 by late August. Story

Afghan Security Leaders
Thank Gates for Support

KABUL, Dec. 10, 2009 - Senior Afghan military and national police leaders gathered today at Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ departure to thank him for his support for President Barack Obama’s new strategy for Afghanistan and a strong military team to support it. Story

Incentives Show Promise
For Afghan Forces

KABUL, Dec. 9, 2009 - Better pay for Afghan national security forces and a government-led emphasis on national service appear to be paying off in stronger recruiting, said the U.S. commander responsible for recruiting and training them. Story

Gates Reviews Support Operations in Afghanistan

KABUL, Dec. 9, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates spent the day checking out operations supporting President Barack Obama’s new strategy for Afghanistan, including a new joint headquarters overseeing the tactical fight. Story

Gates Meets With Karzai,
Other Afghan Leaders

KABUL, Dec. 8, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived in Kabul to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and other leaders. Story

Gates: NATO Steps Up,
Pakistan Makes Strides

KABUL, Dec. 8, 2009 - NATO’s commitment of 7,000 additional troops for the International Security Assistance Force it leads in Afghanistan comes as a pleasant surprise to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who calls it a sign of the alliance’s renewed commitment there. Story

Surge Shows Enduring Commitment, Gates Says

KABUL, Dec. 8, 2009 - The deployment of 30,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan underscores the enduring U.S. commitment to Afghanistan and its people, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in Kabul. Story

Gates to Check Readiness
For Incoming Forces

KABUL, Dec. 8, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived in Afghanistan to ensure that troops have what they need to accommodate the incoming 30,000 soldiers and Marines, and to tell them, “We are in this thing to win.” Story

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