Gibbs: No 'Open- Ended Conflict'

Though no definite plans have been set forth, the still-to-be-determined strategy for Afghanistan will include careful consideration of troop withdrawal once the area has been stabilized, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. Gibbs spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on Thursday, en route to Alaska before continuing on to Asia, emphasizing that Afghanistan is a not a forever war. “It’s important to fully examine not just how we’re going to get folks in, but how we’re going to get folks out,” he said, adding that President Obama will not commit to an "open-ended conflict." Obama continues to seek advice and counsel regarding the next step on Afghanistan, though Gibbs predicted that a decision would be coming sooner rather than later.