EDITORIAL: Robert M. Gates, the U.S. secretary of defense, can be a man of few words when the need arises.
Gates was in Bahrain last weekend where he delivered the keynote address at the opening session of a conference on security in the Gulf organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Upon finishing his speech Gates opened the floor to questions. Naturally, his presentation, as well as a good number of questions from delegates attending the conference, centered on the recently released National Intelligence Estimate, which seemed to absolve Iran of its nuclear infractions.
Gates told the conference not to be mistaken on Iran's intentions, saying he did not believe the words spoken by the ayatollahs. Through and through, the secretary's responses were thorough, lengthy, and complete, but with one exception: When it came to the question of Israel's nuclear weapons Gates suddenly became reserved – and cautious - with his words.
After outlining the dangers to the international community that a nuclear-armed Iran would represent, Gates was asked by a member of the audience if he did not think the United States was adopting a double-standard: one for Israel, by accepting that the Jewish state has nuclear weapons; and another standard when it came to Iran, pressing the Islamic republic to renege on its nuclear aspirations.
The answer from the secretary of defense was: "No, I don't."
That was it. There was no follow-up. No detailed explanation. Just three words to describe a policy position adopted by the United States.
"No, I don't," was the extent to which Gates was willing to discuss the matter of Israel's nukes.
While his short reply brought giggles, laughter, and criticism, his three-word statement was in fact quite brilliant.
The secretary of defense managed to maneuver through a political minefield in a most diplomatic manner, narrowly avoiding a situation in which he could have very easily landed himself - and his government - in a very embarrassing situation.
In keeping his answer short and precise, Gates left no room for ambiguity. He offered no space to allow himself to be cornered. Neither did his reply leave any possibility to be misquoted, nor his quote taken out of context. Nor for that matter did his response open any doors for attack by political opponents.
In suggesting that he did not believe Israel represented a threat, and moving on, the defense secretary kept the upper hand; although it was certainly not what the audience expected. For Gates this was certainly a case of the less said, the better.
It was however one of his predecessors, William Cohen, who offered a more detailed explanation during a televised debate on al-Arabiya: "Israel has no desire to wipe Iran off the map."
