Gates says Afghan war slower, harder than anticipated but US not ‘bogged down’
By Anne Gearan, APThursday, June 24, 2010
Gates: US not bogged down in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the war in Afghanistan is “slower and harder than anticipated,” but that he does not believe the U.S. is “bogged down.”
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Gates said that progress is being made even if it takes longer than officials thought to help establish the local government and win over the local population.
The U.S. is still struggling to gain control of the southern farming town of Marjah as it begins a new offensive in the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen said the U.S. won’t know if the strategy is working until the end of the year.
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