US not winning war in Iraq, Gates concedes

US Defense Secretary nominee Robert Gates at the Senate Armed Services Committee

In my view, all options are on the table in terms of how we address this problem in Iraq
Bob Gates

Appearing at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Defense Secretary nominee Mr Gates said Mr Bush wanted him to take a fresh look at the war and that all options were on the table.

"Our course over the next year or two will determine whether the American and Iraqi people and the next president of the United States will face a slowly and steadily improving situation in Iraq and in the region or will face the very real risk of a regional conflagration," Mr Gates said.

Asked by Democratic Senator Carl Levin of Michigan if the United States was winning in Iraq, Mr Gates replied: "No, sir."

Senators have said they expect Mr Gates to be confirmed quickly, partly as they are eager to be rid of outgoing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, an architect of the unpopular war.

Mr Bush had Mr Gates over to the White House for breakfast before the hearing and urged the Senate to move quickly.

"Bob Gates will be a fine secretary of defense," Mr Bush told reporters with Mr Gates at his side. "I hope for speedy confirmation so he can get sworn in and get to work. Those who wear the uniform know they'll have a friend in Bob Gates."

Many Democrats have advocated a phased withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, to begin in four to six months, and say their victory in last month's congressional election gives that option a popular mandate.

Mr Gates said he would consult widely on the options in Iraq but did not say which he favoured. "In my view, all options are on the table in terms of how we address this problem in Iraq," he said.

In his written testimony to the committee last month, Mr Gates appeared to oppose a sudden pullout from Iraq. "I believe that leaving Iraq in chaos would have dangerous consequences both in the region and globally for many years to come," he wrote.