Gates Downplays Reports Of A Heated Debate Over Afghan Plan

Defense Secretary Robert Gates Thursday attempted to downplay the drama surrounding the upcoming release of veteran journalist Bob Woodward’s latest book, primarily media reports that it describes an administration torn over an Afghan strategy.

“Conflict sells,” Gates told reporters at the Pentagon. “President’s are always well served when there is a vigorous and spirited debate over important issues.”

Woodward’s book, entitled “Obama’s Wars,” reportedly depicts President Obama struggling to determine the breadth of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan as well as tension amid the military and national security team.

Gates, who was interviewed by Woodward, emphasized that while there was a debate amid the formulation of the strategy, there is now a consensus.

“Once the President made his decision last December, everybody was at the senior level in the administration was on board,” Gates said. “That continues to be the case.”

Obama’s Wars will be released Monday.