Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Iraq Minister of Defense Abd al-Qadir held a press conference in Baghdad today. Secretary Gates visited Iraq to see an update on conditions since his last visit here three months ago. During his visit, he met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. “I believe that a secure stable and democratic Iraq is within reach," he said. "We need to be patient but we also need to be absolutely resolved in our desire to see the nascent signs of hope across Iraq expand and flourish so that all Iraqis can enjoy peace and
prosperity.”
From The Guardian:
Overall, there has been a steady decline in violence in Iraq in recent months, including dips in roadside bombs, other attacks and in both U.S. and Iraqi casualties. The U.S. is pressing Iraqi leaders to take advantage of the improved security to make the political reforms needed to stabilize the fledgling democracy.
UPDATE 3:00 PM. McClatchy's 12-paragraph story on Gates' visit includes approx 6 papragraphs devoted to the car bombing that killed 12 during the visit. More on that later.
