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PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA

Clinton, Gates Agree To Join Obama Team

National Security Team Takes Shape

POSTED: 4:35 am EST December 1, 2008
UPDATED: 1:21 pm EST December 1, 2008

President-elect Barack Obama filled out more than a third of his Cabinet on Monday, naming members of his national security team, including Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state.

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"She possesses an extraordinary intelligence and toughness, and a remarkable work ethic," Obama said. "She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence, who knows many of the world's leaders, who will command respect in every capital, and who will clearly have the ability to advance our interests around the world."

Along with Clinton, Obama announced that President George W. Bush's defense secretary, Robert Gates, will stay in that post.

"Serving in this position for nearly two years -- and especially the opportunity to lead our brave and dedicated soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and defense civilians -- has been the most gratifying experience of my life," Gates said. "I am honored to continue to serve them and our country, and I will be honored to serve President-elect Obama."

Eric Holder has been asked to serve as attorney general, and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as homeland security secretary.

Susan Rice, a campaign foreign policy adviser, is set to be named as U.N. ambassador. And retired Marine Gen. James L. Jones is Obama's choice to be national security adviser.

"The time has come for a new beginning, a new dawn of American leadership to overcome the challenges of the 21st century," Obama said as his Cabinet picks stood behind him on a flag-draped stage.

"We will strengthen our capacity to defeat our enemies and support our friends. We will renew old alliances and forge new and enduring partnerships," he said.

Gates' presence in Chicago made him a visible symbol of the transition in power from the Bush administration to one headed by Obama.

The president-elect, reprising a campaign vow, said he would give the military a new mission as soon as he takes office: "responsibly ending the war in Iraq through a successful transition to Iraqi control." He did not mention his oft-repeated pledge to withdraw most U.S. combat trooops within 16 months.

In order to make the Clinton pick possible, officials said, former President Bill Clinton had to agree to disclose the names of every contributor to his foundation, and to refuse donations from foreign governments to the Clinton Global Initiative. He also has to submit his speaking schedule for review, and to step away from day-to-day management of his foundation.

Challenges Await

The incoming team will quickly have its hands full, between U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, and new tension between India and Pakistan following last week's attacks in Mumbai.

Iraqi officials said on Monday 15 people were killed in a suicide car bombing in the northern city of Mosul.

A police officer in Mosul said the attacker apparently was targeting a joint U.S.-Iraqi patrol in a western section of the city.

The officer and an official at the morgue where the bodies were taken have given the death toll. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to release the information.

The U.S. military said initial reports show two Iraqi National Police officers and seven civilians were killed in Monday's attack. It said one U.S. soldier and 39 Iraqi civilians were wounded.

Conflicting tolls are common as authorities struggle to rescue victims in the chaotic aftermath of bombings.

Earlier, a double bombing targeting police recruits in Baghdad killed 16 people and wounded 45.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Monday that Washington expects Pakistan's full cooperation with India's investigation into last week's terrorist attacks. Rice said great emphasis is being put on the Pakistani government's "need to follow the evidence wherever it leads."

Pakistan said the attacks had no connection to its government.

President Asif Ali Zardari called the attackers "non-state actors," and warned against letting their actions lead to greater enmity in the region.

Tensions between Muslim Pakistan and Hindu-majority India flared after the attacks last week in Mumbai that killed at least 172 people and wounded 239 others.

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