Robert Gates Predicts 'Modest' U.S. Troop Reduction Next Month in Afghanistan

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Source: LA Times

In a farewell visit to Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates predicted Saturday that the initial drawdown of U.S. troops next month would be "modest" and played down the possibility of far-reaching changes in U.S. strategy this summer.

Gates, who is stepping down as Defense secretary at the end of the month, acknowledged that the American public was growing weary of the nearly decade-long war. But it would be "premature" to change course until it becomes clear whether the U.S. and its allies can hold territory taken from the Taliban during the past year, he said.

His comments, after separate meetings with the top U.S. commander, Gen. David H. Petraeus, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, were a further indication that President Obama is not likely to order major troop cuts or strategy changes as part of a White House review of the Afghan war expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The White House has been coming under pressure from members of Congress from both parties to rethink the Afghan effort, a sentiment that has gathered momentum since the U.S. operation last month that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Lawmakers contend that the cost of the conflict, at more than $100 billion a year, is unsustainable. Last month, Obama said in an interview with Associated Press that the initial withdrawal would be "significant."

more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghanistan-gates-20110605,0,3678193.story