US troop exit 'on course'

Photo / AP

Amid signs of deepening war weariness among Americans, the top United States commander in Afghanistan said yesterday that he would soon recommend a plan for beginning troop reductions, while embracing President Barack Obama's goal of pursuing a long-term military partnership with the Afghan Government.

General David Petraeus said that much of the Taleban's battlefield momentum has been halted, putting the US on course to begin pulling out troops in July.