Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday endorsed efforts to reach out to members of the Taliban or other militants in Afghanistan who may be considered reconcilable, much like what has happened in Iraq..."Part of the solution is reconciliation with people who are willing to work with the Afghan government going forward." Those who are not willing to work with the government must be dealt with militarily, he said.
Gates' comments followed revelations that Taliban representatives met with Afghan government officials last month in Saudi Arabia, a former high-level Taliban ambassador said Monday...Asked if such efforts by the Saudi's were welcome, Gates said that whoever can play a constructive role is welcome...(AP via Yahoo).
Full Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081006/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/eu_gates_afghanistan
