The president’s nominee to be the next Pentagon chief says he would consider changing the current plans for withdrawing all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by the end of next year if security conditions worsen.
In written comments to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Ashton Carter responded “yes” when asked if he would consider recommending changes to the current pace and size of the drawdown plan to address security concerns. He also said he is aware of reports that Islamic State militants may try to expand into Afghanistan, and said he will work with coalition partners to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Carter’s comments were included in his answers to a committee questionnaire that was obtained by The Associated Press. They come as Afghan leaders express concerns about the U.S. troop withdrawal and worry that local forces may not be ready to secure the country on their own.
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Known as a policy wonk, Carter worked in the Defense Department under two Democratic presidents. He held the No. 2 job at the Pentagon from October 2011 to December 2013, and prior to that served as the technology and weapons-buying chief. During the Clinton administration, he was the assistant secretary for international security policy.
If confirmed, he would be Obama’s fourth defense secretary, replacing the current chief, Chuck Hagel, who resigned under pressure in December but has stayed on until Carter is in place.
