Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday endorsed the idea of a pause in the drawdown of U.S. troops this summer, as bombers killed at least 22 Iraqis in attacks targeting U.S.-allied tribal leaders. ...more

February 12, 2008

The Bush administration is sending strong signals that U.S. troop reductions in Iraq will slow or stop altogether this summer, a move that would jeopardize hopes of relieving strain on the Army and Marine Corps and revive debate over an open-ended U.S. commitment in Iraq. ...more

January 30, 2008

The U.S. military would be willing to undertake joint combat operations with Pakistani forces against Islamic militants if Pakistani leaders request the help, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday. ...more

January 25, 2008

The Pentagon is preparing to send at least 3,000 Marines to Afghanistan in April to bolster efforts to hold off another expected Taliban spring offensive,military officials said Wednesday. ...more

January 10, 2008

A resurgent al-Qaida terrorist network has shifted the focus of its attacks to Pakistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said Friday. ...more

December 22, 2007

Iraqi legislators suspended parliamentary sessions Thursday until the end of the month because of the Muslim religious season - the end of much-delayed efforts to pass U.S.-backed legislation aimed at achieving national reconciliation this year. ...more

December 7, 2007

U.S. military commanders in northern Iraq told Defense Secretary Robert Gates here Wednesday that they need more troops to battle increased attacks by al-Qaida terrorists who have fled north after being pushed out of the Baghdad region. ...more

December 6, 2007

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has decided to freeze plans for further reducing Army forces in Europe and will maintain about 40,000 soldiers in Germany and Italy, nearly twice as many as had been envisioned under a drawdown that began two years ago, senior Pentagon and military officials said. ...more

November 22, 2007

The U.S. military announced six new deaths Tuesday, making 2007 the bloodiest year for U.S. troops in Iraq despite a recent decline in casualties and a sharp drop in roadside bombings that Washington links to Iran. ...more

November 7, 2007

Republic - The Bush administration has told Moscow it may delay activation of a proposed U.S. missile defense system in Europe until it has 'definitive proof' that Iran poses a missile threat, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday. ...more

October 24, 2007