Andy, I think the Times is misreporting Gates’ remarks. (Can you imagine such a thing?!} I was there in Munich at the conference – and I’m pretty certain he did take a few shots at Putin. They were jabs, not hard right hooks but they were effective, especially considering the audience (international foreign policy elites). I need to check my notes and get back to you on this. But if you’re basing your judgment only on the Times spin, I’d urge caution.