BALAD, Iraq, December 13, SPA -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates hasarrived in Iraq to meet with commanders as the U.S. prepares to cuts its troops levels and begin to pull forcesout of the cities. The unannounced visit on Saturday comes as President-electBarack Obama prepares to take office and begin to implementwhat many expect will be an accelerated withdrawal oftroops, according to a report of Associated Press. During Obama's presidential campaign, he said hewanted combat troops out of Iraq in 16 months, but he hasalso said he would listen to the advice of his commanderson the ground. A security agreement between the U.S. and Iraq mandatesthat combat forces leave the cities by next June, and leaveIraq in three years.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/615983