Mattis to decide soon on troop levels in Afghanistan
Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press Updated 11:15 pm, Sunday, February 19, 2017
Photo: Matthias Schrader, AP
U.S. Defense Minister Jim Mattis speaks during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, southern Germany, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. The annual weekend gathering is known for providing an open and informal platform to meet in close quarters.
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he plans to make some decisions soon on whether to recommend an increase in the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and whether the totals should be based on military requirements rather than pre-set limits.
Mattis told reporters traveling with him that he spoke for several hours by video conference on Sunday with U.S. Gen. John Nicholson, the top American commander there. Mattis said he will collect his thoughts and then send recommendations to the White House where, he said, President Donald Trump is open to his advice.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/politics/article/Mattis-to-decide-soon-on-troop-levels-in-10944118.php
