Panetta: Afghan Gains 'Reversible'

CNN reports:

Defense Secretary nominee Leon Panetta asserted Thursday that the United States and its allies have made "great progress" in the nearly decade-long war in Afghanistan, but warned that recent gains are "fragile and reversible."

He refused to indicate how fast the U.S. military should start any withdrawal from Afghanistan. The rate at which troops should be withdrawn should be "conditions-based, " he said.

Greater progress needs to be made, particularly in terms of Afghan self-governance, so that ultimately officials in Kabul "can take responsibility for that country," he added.

The ultimate goal in Afghanistan, he stressed, is to ensure "sufficient stability" in that country so it can never again be a safe haven for al Qaeda or other extremist elements.

Panetta, currently head of the Central Intelligence Agency, made his remarks during his Pentagon confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.