thedrifter
12-05-07, 07:24 PM
Conway: Afghanistan plan scrapped
Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Dec 5, 2007 17:43:44 EST
Commandant Gen. James Conway told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday that he has set aside his proposal to shift Marine forces from Iraq to Afghanistan, reflecting opposition from Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
“After discussion with the secretary and with my colleagues on the Joint Staff, there is a determination that right now the timing is not right to provide additional Marine forces to Afghanistan,” Conway said.
Conway said he discussed the matter with Gates last week. Gates visited Afghanistan on Tuesday and was in Iraq on Wednesday, although he did not go to Iraq’s Anbar province, where Marines operate.
In addressing the matter publicly for the first time, Conway said he was not disappointed by Gates’ decision, given that the Marines have had considerable success in stabilizing that province.
“Personally discouraged? No,” he said. “Frankly, our casualty count is going to continue to be lower and that is a good day,” Conway said. He added that Gates fully understood why Conway made the proposal.
Ellie
Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Dec 5, 2007 17:43:44 EST
Commandant Gen. James Conway told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday that he has set aside his proposal to shift Marine forces from Iraq to Afghanistan, reflecting opposition from Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
“After discussion with the secretary and with my colleagues on the Joint Staff, there is a determination that right now the timing is not right to provide additional Marine forces to Afghanistan,” Conway said.
Conway said he discussed the matter with Gates last week. Gates visited Afghanistan on Tuesday and was in Iraq on Wednesday, although he did not go to Iraq’s Anbar province, where Marines operate.
In addressing the matter publicly for the first time, Conway said he was not disappointed by Gates’ decision, given that the Marines have had considerable success in stabilizing that province.
“Personally discouraged? No,” he said. “Frankly, our casualty count is going to continue to be lower and that is a good day,” Conway said. He added that Gates fully understood why Conway made the proposal.
Ellie