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Gates open to possible troop request in Afghanistan

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-09-04 03:02

WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday he would be open to any new request by the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan for more troops and resources, saying his concerns about sending too large a force can be mitigated.

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A long-awaited assessment of war by US Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the Western commander, has intensified debate within the administration over sending additional troops into the fight against a resurgent Taliban.

"I'm very open to the recommendations and certainly the perspective of Gen. McChrystal," Gates told a news conference, when asked about an expected request by the commander for more troops.