'Once war is unleashed, it becomes unpredictable'

On Iraq

Senator Carl Levin: 'Mr Gates, do you believe that we are currently winning in Iraq?'

Robert Gates: 'No, sir.'

On whether President George W. Bush would follow his advice

'Senator, I'm not coming here to be a bump on a log and not say exactly what I think ... There is still only one president of the United States. He will make the final decision.'

On Iran