KABUL WELCOME U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates walks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the presidential palace in Kabul, Dec. 8, 2009. Gates is on his first trip to Southwest Asia following President Barack Obama's decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.08 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 604591-N-UKA73-449.jpg Photo Gallery