Gates in Iraq

The current and future defense secretary makes an unscheduled stop in Iraq, reiterates the Bush administration's pledge to completely withdraw by the end of 2011. Speaking earlier in Bahrain, the defense secretary says: "Anyone who thought that the upcoming months might present opportunities to 'test' the new president would be sorely mistaken." Adds: "President Obama and his national security team, myself included, will be ready to defend the interests of the United States and our friends and allies from the moment he takes office on January 20." AP: Foreign leaders ready to test Obama.