McChrystal backs Afghan plan to skeptical Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — Questioned by skeptical lawmakers, the U.S. general running the war in Afghanistan said Tuesday he did not get as many troops as he wanted and must work under a schedule he did not recommend, but he insisted the Obama administration’s revamped strategy is the best way to win.

Comments by Afghanistan’s president and the U.S. defense secretary suggested a long, slow effort.

As Gen. Stanley McChrystal defended President Barack Obama’s new surge-and-exit strategy in Washington, the U.S. challenge was underscored in Kabul. Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said — with Defense Secretary Robert Gates standing at his side — that it probably will be five years before Afghan forces can take the lead in the fight against Taliban insurgents. And Karzai predicted it would be at least 15 years before his government could pay for its own forces.

On Capitol Hill, Gen. McChrystal declared under questioning by congressional committees, “I’m comfortable with the entire plan.” But in lengthy sessions before Senate and House panels, the four-star general cautioned against expectations of immediate results and said the strategy must show progress within 18 months, Obama’s deadline for beginning to bring U.S. troops home.

Karzai’s comments, after a meeting with Gates, added more uncertainty to the planned exit of American troops. And they lowered expectations of any quick progress by shrunken Afghan security forces, which have long been expected to be equal partners with U.S. forces and troops from 42 other countries stationed in Afghanistan.