US President George W. Bush named former CIA director Robert Gates as defense secretary to replace Donald Rumsfeld, who resigned following the Democratic victories in legislative elections. Bush announced Rumsfeld's departure and Gates's appointment after acknowledging that the administration's handling of the Iraq war played a major role in giving the Democrats control over the House of Representatives in Tuesday's election.
"Bob Gates will bring a fresh perspective and good managerial abilities," he said.
Bush said he met with Gates, who headed the Central Intelligence Agency from 1991 to 1993 and is currently president of Texas A and M University, on Sunday to discuss the appointment, even before the election was held.
"He is a steady, solid leader who can help make the necessary adjustments in our approach to meet our current challenges," Bush said.
"If confirmed by the Senate, Bob will bring more than 25 years of national security experience and a stellar reputation as an effective leader with sound judgment," he said.
"He served six presidents from both political parties and rose from an entry-level employee in the CIA to become the director of central intelligence," he said.
Gates has also been working on the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, which is due to present Bush with policy recommendations on the Iraq crisis in the coming weeks.
