The US Senate has unanimously approved the nomination of Leon Panetta, the CIA director, to be the next Pentagon chief.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates on Sunday acknowledged that Americans are tired of war as he underlined that Washington did not have the right strategy and resources in Afghanistan till last year.

Defence secretary Robert Gates, wrapping up a final visit to Afghanistan as Pentagon chief, said on Tuesday that US-led forces are on the verge of securing a “decisive blow” against the Taliban.

Military pressure on the Taliban could lead to “real opportunities” for peace talks with leaders of the Afghan insurgency within a year, outgoing US defence secretary Robert Gates said on Saturday.

Defence secretary Robert Gates plans to reassure anxious allies in Asia this week that the US military will maintain a strong presence in the region despite budget pressures at home, officials said.

Despite trust deficit in bilateral ties, Pakistan is very important state for the US due its nuclear weapons and the importance of its stability in the region, defence secretary Robert Gates has said.

"Somebody" in Pakistan knew about Osama bin Laden's hideout but there is no proof that Pakistan's political and military leaders were aware of it, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday.

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US defence secretary Robert Gates said on Friday that American forces were prepared to stay in any role beyond a scheduled pullout late in 2011, but time was running out for Iraq to ask.

US defence secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday that economic and political pressure and Libya's people — not ongoing military strikes — will eventually drive strongman Muammar Gaddafi from power.

Defence secretary Robert Gates on Thursday suggested Japan should consider buying US fighter jets, during talks in Tokyo, as the country plans for new warplanes, a US official said.