Obama says there’s an ‘obsession’ with timing of US pullout from Afghanistan

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Obama cites ‘obsession’ on Afghanistan timeline

TORONTO — President Barack Obama says there’s been, as he calls it, “a lot of obsession” about the issue of when U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan.

Obama says his focus right now is on making sure the U.S. mission in Afghanistan is successful.

Obama reiterated Sunday that a plan to begin withdrawing troops a year from now doesn’t mean the U.S. will, in his words, “close the door and shut off the lights” at that time.

He said a political solution is needed as well as a military one. He argued that the Taliban is a mix of hardcore ideologues and kids who sign up because it’s the best job they can get.

Obama spoke in Toronto as the G-20 summit wrapped up.