Robert Gates on the U.S. Air Force scandal and violence in Iraq

On the backdrop of a day which featured a scandal in the United States Air Force and a series of deadly attacks in Iraq, Wednesday evening saw "Piers Morgan Live" task Robert Gates with providing his unique insight and unparalleled perspective.

"This is very troubling to me," began the former United States Secretary of Defense, referencing news that nearly three dozen nuclear command officers were involved in an incident of widespread cheating on a monthly proficiency exam. "This is one of those capabilities in the military where there is no room for any error, no room for any misbehavior, no room for sloppiness at all ... Having this kind of behavior among those that are responsible for some element of nuclear arsenal is extremely troubling."

Meanwhile, with more than 60 people killed amidst a series of bombings and shootings in Iraq, it might appear as though the Middle-Eastern nation is as volatile as ever. Despite this premise, the author of the new book "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War" nonetheless views recent United States efforts in the country to have been worthwhile.

"I think that we succeeded in the mission in 2008 and 2009 in terms of being able to turn over to the Iraqis a fragile, but real, Democratic government ... as well as security and stability in the country," he told Piers Morgan. "We basically handed them their future on a silver platter ... I think we accomplished our mission, and we withdrew in a way that was not a strategic defeat with global consequences for us."

Watch the clip for more of Morgan's interview with Gates, and for the next edition of "Piers Morgan Live," watch CNN every night at 9.
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