Jul 15, 2008 11:24 pm US/Pacific
Gates Warns Of Militarization Of Foreign Policy
WASHINGTON (AP) ―
Defense Secretary Robert Gates is warning that the wars is Afghanistan and Iraq are leading to fears of a "creeping militarization" of American foreign policy.
In prepared remarks for an international policy dinner in Washington, Gates said the military, "cannot kill or capture" its way to victory. Gates is stressing the need for civilian agencies to help with nation building.
He says "the U.S. military should never be mistaken for a Peace Corps with guns."
The Pentagon chief says military operations should support economic and political growth with help from the U.N., NATO, other nations and aid agencies.
Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have coordinated reconstruction projects, helped fragile local governments and rebuilt industry.
Gates has repeatedly said the State Department and some non-governmental organizations have been underfunded and understaffed for too long. He says military might can't win the wars alone.
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