Morrell Addresses Strategy Review, Budget

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2010 – The U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy is yielding results that are “trending in the right direction,” Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. Story

Petraeus: All Strategy Aspects Contribute to Progress

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2010 – All aspects of the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan have contributed to significant progress over the past six months, the commander of U.S. and coalition forces said here today. Story

Obama Cites ‘Significant’ Progress Against al-Qaida

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2010 – The U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan is showing significant signs of progress in halting Taliban momentum in Afghanistan and dismantling al-Qaida operations in the region, President Barack Obama said today.

Obama, speaking at the White House on the assessment of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan released today, cited progress in achieving what he called the core goal in Afghanistan. Story

Success Hinges on Afghan Forces, Gates Says

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2010 – Conditions are in place for coalition forces to achieve their goals in Afghanistan, but whether achievements can be sustained long-term will depend on the Afghans, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Story | Video

Gates: Afghanistan Progress Exceeds Expectations

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2010 – Results achieved by U.S. troops “surged” to Afghanistan beginning last summer have been greater than expected, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. Story | Video

Mullen: Review Validates Efforts in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 16, 2010 – The Afghanistan-Pakistan review President Barack Obama announced today validates what servicemembers have been doing throughout the theater, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today. Story

Flournoy: U.S.-Pakistan Ties ‘Central’ to Fight

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2010 – The relationship with Pakistan is central to U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, where coalition troops will continue to focus on al-Qaida safe havens along the countries’ shared border, the Pentagon’s top policy official said today. Story

Time to Consolidate Afghanistan Gains, NATO Chief Says

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2010 – The U.S. annual review on Afghanistan and Pakistan released today demonstrates that the strategy driving the mission is sound, and with the resources in place to accomplish it, is making progress, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said today. Story