BAGHDAD — The United States Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates held a joint press conference with the Iraqi Minister of Defense Abdul Qadir al-Ubaidi about the military situation in Iraq at the Ministry of Defense building Friday. During the press conference, Secretary Gates stated that Iraq is an important ally and vital partner in the global war on terror, and Fardh Al-Qanoon. This commitment will be long term, said Gates. “It is a commitment to work with the Iraqis to ensure their sovereignty, train their legitimate security forces and provide support for security reform and modernization,” said Gates. Iraqis...