Notably, Gates has been an outspoken critic of the war in Libya.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: An Obama foreign policy

So we have a new secretary of defense in Mr. Gates, and he's looking for new directions in the conduct of the war.

NPR: Joint Chiefs Shake-Up Leaves Questions

When the outcome of the war in Iraq was in doubt, Bob Gates presided over the extraordinary efforts that helped restore order.

WHITEHOUSE: Armed Services Farewell Tribute for Secretary Gates

It was not until World War I, when British forces were at the gates of Jerusalem, in November, 1917, that the British Foreign Secretary, Arthur Balfour, anxious for Jewish support in the war, issued his epic yet ambiguous Declaration.

BBC: The return of the Jews to the promised land