Gates warns enemies not to test Obama

[babylonsister]

Gates warns enemies not to test Obama
Sat Dec 13, 2008 6:37am EST


MANAMA (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned the United States' enemies on Saturday against trying to take advantage of the early months of the new Washington administration to test U.S. resolve.

Gates also said the United States would stay deeply involved in the Middle East and the Gulf under Barack Obama's administration.

"I can assure you that a change in administration does not alter our fundamental interests, especially in the Middle East," he told a regional security conference in Bahrain.

Asked about Iran, he said the United States was not seeking to oust the country's leaders but did want to see a change in Iranian policies.

"Nobody is after a regime change in Iran. What we're after is a change in policies and a change in behavior," Gates said.

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http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BC0R820081213?sp=true