Gates, Jones Split on Afghan Troop Timetable

DoD chief: decision in 'a few weeks'; general says 'no deadline'

By Polly Davis Doig, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 27, 2009 2:49 PM CDT

(Newser) – The White House appears slightly out of sync on when exactly it expects to make a decision on troop levels in Afghanistan. "I don't have a deadline in my mind," national security adviser James Jones told Bob Woodward of the Washington Post, adding, "The most important thing is to do it right." Defense Secretary Robert Gates, however, emphasized resolution to the Afghan election and said he expects a decision in “a matter of a few weeks.”

In this Nov. 28, 2008 file photo, retired Marine Corps Gen. James Jones stands by at the State Department in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

In this Sept. 6, 2007 file photo, retired Marine Corps Gen. James Jones testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File)

Defense Robert Gates meets with reporters at the Pentagon, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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Gates, Jones Split on Afghan Troop Timetable

DoD chief: decision in 'a few weeks'; general says 'no deadline'

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Pentagon: Wait Til Fall 2012 to End Afghanistan Surge

Military pushes for slow withdrawal as Obama weighs next move

Pentagon Opposes Quick Afghanistan Exit

'We shouldn't let up on the gas,' Gates warns

Obama Weighs Quicker Afghanistan Pullout

But Gates, Petraeus point to risks

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Defense secretary underscores need for success

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Libyan coalition fails to secure recognition as legitimate interim governing body

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Gates, Jones Split on Afghan Troop Timetable

DoD chief: decision in 'a few weeks'; general says 'no deadline'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Afghanistan • Robert Gates • White House • James Jones • troop levels

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Pentagon: Wait Til Fall 2012 to End Afghanistan Surge

Military pushes for slow withdrawal as Obama weighs next move

Pentagon Opposes Quick Afghanistan Exit

'We shouldn't let up on the gas,' Gates warns

Obama Weighs Quicker Afghanistan Pullout

But Gates, Petraeus point to risks

Robert Gates Makes Farewell Afghanistan Trip

Defense secretary underscores need for success

Rebels Leave White House Without Recognition

Libyan coalition fails to secure recognition as legitimate interim governing body

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Newser By Users

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