1. Defense secretary Robert Gates speaks at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, August 9, 2010

    Robert Gates’ Farewell Message

    The former defense secretary leaves one last message on his way out of the Pentagon.

  1. Gates Warns Against Isolationism After Afghanistan

    The departing defense secretary reflected on the war in Afghanistan and future American foreign policy in two interviews this Sunday.

  1. Gates Criticizes European Defense Ineptitude

    The outgoing American defense secretary urged the European NATO allies to boost their own military prowess.

  1. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of NATO and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan meet at Camp Eggers in Kabul, Afghanistan, December 7, 2010

    Gates, Petraeus Discuss Winning the Afghan War

    ABC News asked the American defense secretary and commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan whether the war was being won.

  1. The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Gridley in the Pacific Ocean, January 9, 2011

    Reining In American Defense Spending

    With Osama bin Laden killed and American forces preparing to withdraw from Afghanistan, is it time to cut military spending?