Gates warns enemies not to test Obama

[babylonsister]

Gates warns enemies not to test Obama
Sat Dec 13, 2008 6:37am EST


MANAMA (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned the United States' enemies on Saturday against trying to take advantage of the early months of the new Washington administration to test U.S. resolve.

Gates also said the United States would stay deeply involved in the Middle East and the Gulf under Barack Obama's administration.

"I can assure you that a change in administration does not alter our fundamental interests, especially in the Middle East," he told a regional security conference in Bahrain.

Asked about Iran, he said the United States was not seeking to oust the country's leaders but did want to see a change in Iranian policies.

"Nobody is after a regime change in Iran. What we're after is a change in policies and a change in behavior," Gates said.

more...

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BC0R820081213?sp=true

[Jennicut]

1. Glad to see Gates is working with Obama very well so far

Backing Obama on his decisions will be a big role of his.

[babylonsister]

2. Me, too. Might also appease some worrywarts around these parts. nt

[Bandit]

3. I think he should shut up and let Obama do the talking

Nothing like daring the bad guys to do something. He should not be saying what Obama's policy is when Obama isn't even in Office yet..

[Canuckistanian]

4. I wish they would stop this shit

"We're the toughest one on the block - don't mess with us"

How undignified.

[RC]

5. More saber rattling. Just what we need.

If we were strong, we would not need to be warning anyone about anything.

I am hoping at long last, we can Give Peace a Chance, even if (or especially if) it is the only thing we can afford to do.
Working with others toward common, peaceful goals has to be cheaper than killing them en masse.

[Jennicut]

6. I don't see it that way, I see it as Gates backing Obama and saying

that to mess with Obama is not a good idea because Obama is strong and intelligent.

[RC]

7. These "enemies" are enemies because we made them as such.

At one time they were our friends. I see it as saber rattling.