Secretary Of Defense Robert Gates And Adm. Mike Mullen Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff On Capital Hill Today

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, left, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, before the House Armed Services Committee hearing on the security and stability in Afghanistan and Iraq. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

U.S. Has Entered "Endgame" In Iraq: Pentagon Chief -- Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday the war in Iraq had entered its "endgame" and urged the next U.S. president to continue a cautious approach to troop cuts.

"Our decisions today and in the months ahead will be critical to regional stability and our national security interests for years to come," Gates told U.S. lawmakers.

"I have cautioned that no matter what you think about the origins of the war in Iraq, we must get the endgame there right. I believe we have now entered that endgame," he said.

Gates said a spiral of violence had been reversed and Iraq had made progress toward political stability over the past year and a half but the situation remained fragile and commanders were not yet sure security gains would endure.

President George W. Bush announced on Tuesday a modest cut in U.S. forces in Iraq, saying 8,000 troops would come home by February because violence there has dropped substantially.

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More News On Today's Defense And Congressional Meeting

US now in the 'end game' in Iraq: Gates -- AFP
Pentagon chief cites caution on US troop pullout -- FOX News
Gates: We have entered the endgame in Iraq -- USA Today
Gates Cautious On Iraq Improvements -- CBS
Gates cautious on U.S. troop pullout -- Washington Times
US to focus on Pakistani border -- BBC
U.S.'s Top Military Officer Calls for Better Strategy in Afghanistan -- Washington Post
Pentagon official: Afghan strategy not working -- MSNBC
Top officer: U.S. "runs out of time" to win Afghan war -- China View
U.S. 'running out of time' on Afghanistan, Joint Chiefs leader says -- L.A. Times
US Military Seeks New Afghanistan Strategy -- Voice Of America
Mullen: Victory possible in Afghanistan -- Air Force Times
Joint Chiefs chairman offers Congress sober assessment on Afghanistan -- Stars And Stripes
Admiral: Troops alone will not yield victory in Afghanistan -- CNN
Military Brass: U.S. Running Out of Time in Afghanistan -- ABC News

My Comment: A sober assessment for both Iraq and Afghanistan.