Reuters: US not winning in Iraq-Pentagon nominee Gates

US not winning in Iraq-Pentagon nominee Gates
05 Dec 2006 15:46:03 GMT
Source: Reuters

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By Susan Cornwell

WASHINGTON, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Robert Gates, U.S. President George W. Bush's
choice to run the Pentagon, said on Tuesday America was not winning in Iraq and
the war would determine whether the Middle East faced a "regional conflagration."

Appearing at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee,
Gates said Bush wanted him to take a fresh look at the war and that all options
were on the table.

"Our course over the next year or two will determine whether the American and Iraqi
people and the next president of the United States will face a slowly and steadily
improving situation in Iraq and in the region or will face the very real risk of a
regional conflagration," Gates said.

Asked by Democratic Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan if the United States was winning
in Iraq, Gates replied: "No, sir."

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