Washington: Admitting that the US is not winning the war in Iraq, US defence secretary nominee Robert Gates yesterday (Dec 5,2006) said he was open to a change in strategy in the war-ravaged country and warned that unless that nation is stabilized in the next year or two it could lead to a 'regional conflagration.'

At his Senate confirmation hearing to replace Donald H. Rumsfeld, Gates, 63, said "I am open to alternative ideas about our future strategies and tactics in Iraq... All options are on the table," he said when questioned by Democrat Senator Carl Levin early in the hearing.

Asked by Levin if he believed that we are currently winning in Iraq, he said "No, Sir."

This was in contrast to Bush's comments in October that Washington was winning and we will win in Iraq.

"We need to work together to develop a strategy that does not leave Iraq in chaos and that protects our long-term interests in and hopes for the region," the former CIA director said.

However, he said that the final decision would rest with Bush.

"What we are now doing is not satisfactory," Gates said.

"Our course over the next year or two will determine whether the American and Iraqi people and the next president of the United States will face a slowly but steadily improving situation in Iraq and in the region or will face the very real risk, and possible reality of a regional conflagration," he said.