Gates prods Iraqi government - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com

Gates prods Iraqi government - Conflict in Iraq - MSNBC.com: "BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - Defense Secretary Robert Gates hinted Tuesday at American impatience with the pace of Iraqi political reconciliation, more than four months into the U.S. troop buildup.

“We would certainly be happier if there were faster progress on the political front,” Gates said. He noted that the Iraqis missed a May 31 deadline for passing an energy law — one of many political obstacles yet to be overcome.

Gates did not directly criticize the Iraqis but his comments underscored the Bush administration’s concern that they establish a government of national unity — seen as the key to stability — before the U.S. public’s dissatisfaction with the war effort reaches the point where a troop pullout cannot be avoided." Read complete post here.