LA Times News

LA Times News

NATO sets 2014 target for Afghan pullout

Posted: 21 Nov 2010 12:00 AM PST

As NATO allies agree to start transferring security duties to Afghan forces next year, Obama says it's a goal, not a commitment, leaving room for the U.S. to keep combat troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014 if necessary.

A NATO summit originally intended to allow members to signal an exit date for the unpopular 9-year-old war in Afghanistan instead concluded Saturday with an agreement leaving open the possibility that allied forces will remain in the unstable country for years to come.

Gates warns of 'significant consequences' if Senate fails to ratify New START treaty

Posted: 21 Nov 2010 12:00 AM PST

The Defense secretary rejects Republican claims that the nuclear arms pact with Russia would hamper U.S. missile programs. He says Moscow might respond by reducing assistance for the war effort in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Saturday rejected claims by Senate Republicans that the New START arms reduction treaty with Russia would hamper U.S. missile defense programs and nuclear weapons modernization, warning of "significant consequences" if the Senate doesn't ratify the accord.

Pakistan rejects U.S. drone expansion

Posted: 21 Nov 2010 12:00 AM PST

The government blocks the U.S. from pursuing missile strikes targeting Afghan Taliban leaders in new areas. The drone missions are deeply unpopular and an expansion could further weaken the president.

Pakistan has rejected a request from the United States to expand its drone missile campaign against Al Qaeda and Taliban militants, a decision that limits Washington's use of one of its most effective tools against insurgents hiding out in the country's northwest.