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news/2009/10/ap_afghanistan_election_gates_101909

No quick resolution to Afghan vote, Gates says


By Lara Jakes - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Oct 20, 2009 13:53:16 EDT

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY JET — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says President Barack Obama may not be able to wait until the disputed Afghanistan elections are resolved to decide on a new war strategy.

The defense secretary said Monday that working out claims of fraudulent ballots would be an evolving process.

Gates did not say whether he believes a runoff between Afghanistan President Hamid Karzi and main challenger Abdullah Abdullah is inevitable.

Gates told reporters that Obama is near a decision on whether to send tens of thousands more troops to Afghanistan as the top U.S. commander there has requested.

Gates’ comments puts him at odds with officials who say no decision should be made until the legitimacy of the Afghanistan government is clear.



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