US TO STAY IN AFGHANISTAN BEYOND 2014 

 
KABUL: US commander in Afghanistan Gen. John Allen said on Tuesday the Anerican troops were going to stay in the country well beyond 2014. In an interview for “60 Minutes,” CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley sat down in Kabul with the new US commander, and asked about the plan.

“Well, the plan is to win. The plan is to be successful. And so, while some folks might hear that we’re departing in 2014 as a result of the Lisbon Conference and the process of transition, we’re actually going to be here for a long time,” Allen said.
The number of troops that will remain is yet to be determined, Allen said, adding that any remaining troops will have to come as part of an agreement with the Afghans. “We’re talking about forces that will provide an advisory capacity. And we may even have some form of counter-terrorist force here to continue the process of developing the Afghan’s counter-terrorism capabilities, but, if necessary, respond ourselves,” Allen said.
The White House on Wednesday endorsed Gen Allen’s words, saying they reflected the US policy, TV channels reported. The spokesperson said the US troopsí withdrawal and transfer of charge to the Afghan forces would take place in phases.
There are 90,000 American troops in Afghanistan, and President Obama plans to withdraw about one-third by next summer. In a CBS News poll, CBS asked Americans i f the war has been mostly a success: 39 percent said yes, but 50 percent said no. Asked whether US forces should be decreased, 62 percent said yes.