From The BBC News

Robert Gates has been sworn in as US defence secretary in a private event at the White House in Washington. A public swearing-in ceremony at the Pentagon, to be attended by President George W Bush, will be held later.

Mr Gates, 63, replaces Donald Rumsfeld, the chief architect of the war in Iraq who resigned last month amid heavy criticism of his policy. Mr Gates takes office amid a wide-ranging administration review of its approach to the war.

Mr Bush said last week he would wait until January to announce his new strategy, to give his new defence chief a chance to offer advice.

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