US DefSec made a big gaffer when on a visit to Afghanistan. Robert Gates could well inspire full-fledged international scandal. Oh dear, he voiced his true thoughts, which is taboo actually for officials of his rank. I don’t know the exact quotation but he meant just this thing. “It’s high time we (Americans) left that @#^*& Afghanistan and took to Iran & Iraq to let our allies sort it out here (in Afghanistan)”.
One of the allied countries’ staff officer happened to hear it due to some technical malfunction or smth of the kind. And so out it leaked.
Personally, I’ve never been under any illusions relating US attitude towards “allies” and “partners”. It has always been a one-side beneficial relationship and superiority posture on American part.
