US defense chief urges broad political reform in Arab regimes under siege

[struggle4progress]

ROBERT BURNS AP National Security Writer

January 27, 2011, 12:42 p.m.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates urged "across-the-board" reforms in U.S.-backed Arab countries rocked by waves of civil unrest, but he declined Thursday to say whether U.S. interests are at risk in the region.

The defense chief acknowledged the economic, political and social forces behind the wave of street demonstrations and demands for the ouster of authoritarian governments. The United States has complained about human rights and other abuses in Egypt and neighboring Arab nations but maintained close ties nonetheless.

"We encourage reform across the board that address these challenges and look forward to continuing to work with these governments," Gates said at a news conference with his Canadian counterpart.

Gates did not comment directly on whether he believes the unrest in Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen puts U.S. national security interests at risk. All are U.S. allies or partners and receive U.S. aid ...

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-bc-us-mideast-gates,0,4407525.story