Gates: US in Afghanistan 2 to 4 More Years (2011 Drawdown Might be Small Number)

[tekisui]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Americans should expect a significant U.S. military presence in Afghanistan for another two to four years.

Appearing Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," Gates says the initial U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in July 2011 might involve only a small number of troops.

more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5inWJP2lBORy8HT4iwKMbq-mctZuwD9CDQNGO0

[ipaint]

1. Much like the public option.

Window dressing.

[mmonk]

2. Does anyone believe the escalation is so we can leave soon?

There is the issue of the http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=Tapi+pipeline&rlz=1W1ADBF_en&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g3">TAPI pipeline. There may be some future drawdown but the future is unpredictable and mentioning a withdrawal while starting an escalation is http://americancommentary.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/more-on-the-obama-afghanistan-decision-and-the-escalationwithdrawal-double-speak/">doublespeak in my opinion.