U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said today that sufficient progress should be made in the war in Afghanistan to transfer authority to Afghan forces in parts of the country by "the end of the year."
Otherwise, Gates said, people in the United States and elsewhere won't support the effort.
Gates said General Stanley McChrystal, the commander of the Afghan operations, is confident he can show progress in that time.
Gates spoke in London following strategy sessions with British officials.
Britain is the United States' closest ally in Afghanistan.
Public support for the eight-year war is dropping in both the United States and Britain.
compiled from agency reports
Otherwise, Gates said, people in the United States and elsewhere won't support the effort.
Gates said General Stanley McChrystal, the commander of the Afghan operations, is confident he can show progress in that time.
Gates spoke in London following strategy sessions with British officials.
Britain is the United States' closest ally in Afghanistan.
Public support for the eight-year war is dropping in both the United States and Britain.
compiled from agency reports