Obama Clarifies 'Transition Phase'

After General McChrystal’s hasty departure this week, President Obama was pressed about the anticipated July 2011 pullout date from Afghanistan. "We didn't say we'd be switching off the lights and closing the door behind us," he said. "What we said is we'd begin a transition phase in which the Afghan government is taking on more and more responsibility." What had generally been referred to as a "pullout" is now being carefully characterized as a "draw down" by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Meanwhile, Gen. David Petraeus has stated that he backs Obama’s plan to begin pulling out of Afghanistan by 2011. "I support the president's policy, and I will also provide the best professional military advice as we conduct assessments," he said on CNN, in his first public comments since taking over from McChrystal.