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09-04-10, 03:08 AM
Gates: national security report nearly done
By BRIAN WITTE (AP) – 22 hours ago
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday a comprehensive national security strategy report that is months overdue should be finished in the next few weeks.
President Barack Obama is required by law to submit the report within 150 days of taking office.
"We are, I think, within a few weeks of having a national security strategy, but no administration since that legislation has passed has issued a national security strategy with 150 days," Gates said.
Gates spoke at the U.S. Naval Academy, and he was asked by a midshipman about the report during a question and answer period following the speech.
Gates, who described the deadline as "a completely unrealistic requirement by Congress," appeared to be demonstrating the theme of his speech, which underscored the importance of naval officers having the strength to disagree with superiors, if it serves the greater good.
"National security strategy is a big deal, and when an administration can't even get most of its senior officials confirmed within 150 days, I want to know how the hell you're going to figure out how you're going to manage strategy in 150 days," Gates said to applause and cheers.
Gates responded to a question about any tension between civilian policymakers in Washington and the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, about strategy.
Gates said that while there may be some tactical differences, he believed that McChrystal overall has broad interagency support. Gates also said that he and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agree on the course of action needed in Afghanistan.
"I think we're all on the same page, and I think we're all very supportive of General McChrystal," Gates added.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
By BRIAN WITTE (AP) – 22 hours ago
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday a comprehensive national security strategy report that is months overdue should be finished in the next few weeks.
President Barack Obama is required by law to submit the report within 150 days of taking office.
"We are, I think, within a few weeks of having a national security strategy, but no administration since that legislation has passed has issued a national security strategy with 150 days," Gates said.
Gates spoke at the U.S. Naval Academy, and he was asked by a midshipman about the report during a question and answer period following the speech.
Gates, who described the deadline as "a completely unrealistic requirement by Congress," appeared to be demonstrating the theme of his speech, which underscored the importance of naval officers having the strength to disagree with superiors, if it serves the greater good.
"National security strategy is a big deal, and when an administration can't even get most of its senior officials confirmed within 150 days, I want to know how the hell you're going to figure out how you're going to manage strategy in 150 days," Gates said to applause and cheers.
Gates responded to a question about any tension between civilian policymakers in Washington and the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, about strategy.
Gates said that while there may be some tactical differences, he believed that McChrystal overall has broad interagency support. Gates also said that he and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agree on the course of action needed in Afghanistan.
"I think we're all on the same page, and I think we're all very supportive of General McChrystal," Gates added.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.