Gates: Afghan militants key to country's future

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday endorsed efforts to reach out to members of the Taliban or other militants in Afghanistan who may be considered reconcilable, much like what has happened in Iraq. And he rejected assertions made by a British commander that the Afghan war is not winnable. Speaking to reporters en route to international meetings in Macedonia and Hungary, Gates said that efforts must be made to determine who is willing to be part of the future of Afghanistan and who is not. "That is one of the key long-term solutions in Afghanistan, just as it has been in Iraq," said Gates, "Part of the solution is reconciliation with people who are willing to work with the Afghan government going forward." Those who are not willing to work with the government must be dealt with militarily, he said. Gates' comments... [read full story]