We obtain spinning and rotating closed string solutions in AdS_5 \times
T^{1,1} background, and show how these solutions can be mapped onto rotating
closed strings embedded in configurations of intersecting branes in type IIA
string theory. Then, we discuss spinning closed string solutions in the UV
limit of the Klebanov-Tseytlin background, and also properties of classical
solutions in the related intersecting brane constructions in the UV limit. We
comment on extensions of this analysis to the deformed conifold background, and
in the corresponding intersecting brane construction, as well as its relation
to the deep IR limit of the Klebanov-Strassler solution. We briefly discuss on
the relation between type IIA brane constructions and their related M-theory
descriptions, and how solitonic solutions are related in both descriptions.Comment: 35 pages. Dedicated to the memory of Ian I. Kogan. References adde