The Wireless

Ex-defence chief criticises Obama

08:42 am on 9 January 2014

The former US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates has written a book that strongly criticises President Barack Obama's handling of the war in Afghanistan.

Gates says the President was sceptical that his administration's Afghan strategy would succeed.

He says while he never doubted the President's support for the troops, he did question his support for the mission.

Gates was the first Pentagon head to serve Presidents of both parties, also serving under George W Bush.