In his new memoir “Duty”, Robert Gates, former secretary of defense under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, remembers his tenure in office at war in Iraq and Afghanistan. His vivid, honest account takes readers inside the Situation Room, where Gates helped plan troop surges and debated the end of “don’t ask don’t tell.”

Gates offers up candid portraits of his colleagues and DC bureaucracy and writes frankly about what was going on behind the scenes during his time as secretary of defense. Gates’ memoir is a compelling account of U.S. foreign policy from one of America’s foremost military minds.

What can Robert Gates’ writings teach people about foreign policy? How will the decision to release the book before the end of President Obama’s final term in office impact readers? What have been the most landmark military decisions made in recent years?

Guest:

Robert Gates, 22nd Secretary of Defense from 2006-2011, author of “Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War”