Gates observes US progress in southern Afghanistan

[March 08, 2011]  COMBAT OUTPOST KOWALL, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates got a first-hand look Tuesday at U.S. military progress in the most hotly contested areas of southern Afghanistan.

Gates met with troops at this remote outpost west of the city of Kandahar and was briefed on efforts to develop a new local police force designed to advance the development of local governments to resist Taliban intimidation.

He also met elders in the village of Tabin, who told him through an interpreter that U.S. and Afghan forces have improved security in recent months. And they expressed hope that the new local police initiative will spread beyond their village.

Gates told reporters at Kowall that he sees reasons for optimism in the fight against the Taliban this year, saying, "I do feel like the pieces are coming together."

He said he gained better insight by visiting troops, commanders and Afghan officials. "The closer you get to the fight, the better it looks," he said.

Gates was wrapping up a two-day visit to gauge war progress as the Obama administration moves toward crucial decisions on reducing U.S. troop levels.

He said Monday that the U.S. and its allies will be "well positioned" to begin withdrawing forces this July, although he gave no specifics. The withdrawal would continue through 2014, with Afghan forces gradually taking over the fight against the Taliban-led insurgency.

The Pentagon chief said the U.S. is interested in keeping a military presence in this former al-Qaida haven beyond the planned end of combat, but he ruled out permanent military bases.

At a news conference Monday with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Gates said a team of U.S. officials would arrive here next week to begin negotiations over a new compact for U.S.-Afghan security relations after 2014.

This week's visit is Gates' 13th trip to Afghanistan, and probably one of his last as defense secretary. He has said he will retire this year but has not given a date.

After Afghanistan, Gates planned to fly to the Stuttgart, Germany, headquarters of U.S. Africa Command to attend a ceremony Wednesday marking the arrival of a new commander, Army Gen. Carter Ham.

Gates will attend a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.

[Associated Press; By ROBERT BURNS]

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