Secretary Gates speaks with Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates (2nd from left) speaks with Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi (right) after meeting with Iraqi leadership at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 20, 2007. Gates is urging the Iraqi officials to speed up national reconciliation among the country's various factions in order to progress toward justice and reconciliation in Iraq. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker (center) joined Gates in the meetings with Iraqi officials. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.03 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 257754-E-XEX96-897.jpg Photo Gallery