.McChrystal: 'No silver bullets' for Afghan victory

[Adsos Letter]

SOURCE: AP
By ANNE GEARAN and PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writers

WASHINGTON – The general in charge of the war in Afghanistan said Tuesday there are "no silver bullets" for success but he expects to know by this time next year whether the troop buildup is reversing the Taliban's momentum.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, appearing before the House Armed Services Committee a week after President Barack Obama announced his new surge-and-exit strategy, said he supports the plan. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, who had voiced misgivings previously, also endorsed the new approach at the Capitol Hill hearing.

The new battle strategy includes a plan to begin bringing some troops home in 18 months — a number to be determined by conditions on the ground at that time.

"Results may come more quickly," McChrystal told lawmakers. "But the sober fact is that there are no silver bullets. Ultimate success will be the cumulative effect of sustained pressure."

LINK: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091208/ap_on_go_co/us_us_afghanistan