Afghanistan mission is long term, Gates says

[unhappycamper]

Afghanistan mission is long term, Gates says
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Sep 29, 2008 19:11:30 EDT

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says that while the continued drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq is inevitable, that will not result in a “one-for-one” increase of troop strength in neighboring Afghanistan — even though more troops than previously announced will likely be sent there to combat insurgents, train security forces and help develop the rugged, impoverished nation.

The Bush administration has already announced that two new brigades will arrive in Afghanistan by February and three more will be ready, at the next president’s option, by the spring and summer.

In a speech Monday to students at the National Defense University in Washington, Gate said the U.S. presence in Afghanistan is long term.

“Given its terrain, poverty, neighborhood, and tragic history, Afghanistan, in many ways, poses an even more complex and difficult long-term challenge than Iraq, one that despite a large international effort will require a significant American military and economic commitment for some time,” Gates said.

The continued reduction of troop strength in Iraq is such a sure thing, Gates said, that “about the only argument you hear now is about the pacing of the drawdown.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/military_gates_092908/%2e