Gates Visits Iraq In Unannounced Baghdad Trip

July 28, 2009 9:43 a.m. EST

Baghdad, Iraq (AHN) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates landed in Baghdad on Tuesday as part of an unannounced trip to Iraq. Gates will meet with American military commanders on the ground and Iraqi political leaders including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The visit to Iraq will allow Gates to coordinate with military commanders as the U.S. shifts its focus from combat operations to support and training. The Obama administration is holding firm on its commitment to withdraw the bulk of combat troops by 2011-12. Gates will also see what assets can be transferred to Afghanistan where the fight against Taliban supporters and al-Qaeda militants continues.

Gates has been on a tour of the Middle East, meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders as well as Jordanian King Abdullah. In Jerusalem, Gates had sharp words for Iran, which continues to push for nuclear independence.

A nuclear-armed Iran "would be profoundly destabilizing to the entire region and a threat certainly to Israel, the United States and other countries in the region," Gates said during a press conference after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

"President [Obama] is fully aware that the Iranians may simply try to run out the clock," Gates added. "I think the president is hoping for some kind of response by this fall... achieving long-term security for Israel is ultimately dependent on a sustainable, comprehensive Middle East peace."