Free Republic

MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 6, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the broad perspectives he’s received in Iraq over the last two days have convinced him Iraq is on the right track and that Iraqi leaders understand they need to move more quickly to keep up with security gains. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates greets local leaders in Mosul, Iraq, during a trip to Iraq's third-largest city, Dec. 5, 2007. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, USAF  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Gates today wrapped up a whirlwind visit to Iraq, where he met with Iraqi government...

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 6, 2007 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Marine veterans here last night that he believes Iraq’s leaders know what it will take for their government to succeed. “It was clear to me that those leaders fully grasped the need for reconciliation,” Marine Gen. Peter Pace told 4th Marine Division Association members here for their 60th reunion. Pace shared with the World War II veterans his impressions of President Bush’s Sept. 3 meeting at Iraq’s Al Asad Air Base with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, President Jalal Talabani, Vice President Tariq al...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2005 – The National Guard's solid response to Hurricane Katrina demonstrates that the Guard is still fully capable of responding to stateside emergencies while supporting the war in terror overseas, the chief of the National Guard Bureau told the American Forces Press Service today. Army Lt. Gen. H. Steven Blum described the thousands of Army and Air National Guard troops called to active duty in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and other states to support hurricane operations as a testament to the Guard's ability to carry out its federal and state missions simultaneously. Guard members along the Gulf...