Leon Panetta says US in 'last chapter' of Afghan war
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that the US-led coalition has advanced to the "last chapter'' of an 11-year struggle to ensure that Afghanistan can defend itself.
The endgame to which Panetta referred is punctuated with uncertainty, beginning with doubts about whether the Afghan government can build legitimacy by credibly serving its population. Also in question is whether Afghan security forces will be capable of holding off the Taliban after international forces leave in 2014.
Panetta, who intends to quit his post within weeks, held an hour-long, one-on-one meeting at the Pentagon with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The Pentagon chief said afterward that they had made "very good progress'' on key issues, including the basis for an agreement on continued US assistance after the combat mission ends.
Panetta also predicted that his designated successor, former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, will be confirmed by the Senate, despite questions raised by many about his views on Israel and Iran.
“I think a lot of the criticisms that are being made right now are unfair,'' Panetta said, adding that he would leave it to Hagel to address these at his Senate confirmation hearing, the date for which has not yet been set.
“In these confirmation battles there are a lot of charges that will be out there,'' he added. “There will be a lot of criticisms that are out there. But ultimately, the truth prevails. And I think the truth in this case will mean that he'll be confirmed.''
Panetta said he is confident, after having met
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