Gates hints at early exit from Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Robert Gates finished his two-day, unannounced trip to Afghanistan yesterday, and hinted at the idea that American forces could be pulled out earlier than expected.

Gates announced Wednesday that American troops could be leaving earlier than the original July 2011 withdrawal date, but it is based on the condition of the Afghan forces.

“We will begin that transition no later than July 2011, but the pace will depend also on conditions on the ground,” Gates said according to CNN.

One of the hopes of the Obama Administration is for the Afghan National Security Forces to grow to 170,000 troops and 134,000 police officers before the U.S. pulls out.

Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak is confident that the Afghan people will step up to the plate and complete that mission.

Before Gates left he thanked the Afghan forces for their help in the fight against the Taliban and promised to be their, “steadfast brothers in arms and friends.”

Former governor Pataki endorses Lazio

Former New York Governor George Pataki is endorsing Rick Lazio for his old office in the up coming elections this year.  Pataki was governor of New York from 1995 to 2006, and according to Syracuse.com he is perhaps the most popular Republican in New York.

Lazio is a former congressman from Long Island, when then Governor Pataki endorsed his candidacy.

Pataki is supposed to make the official endorsement later this afternoon in Manhattan.  Lazio has also gained the support of many of the conservative party leaders around the state.

Pataki is also considering a return to politics, but this time in the United States Senate.

Syracuse set for rematch with Georgetown

The SU men’s basketball team now knows who they will be playing in the quarterfinals tomorrow.  After archrival Georgetown beat South Florida earlier this afternoon, they punched their ticket to the next round and a date with Syracuse.

The Hoyas beat South Florida 69-49 in the first game of the day in the Big East Tournament according to Syracuse.com.

The Orange will look to defeat the Hoyas for the third time this year tomorrow at noon.  The two teams have split their 12 meetings in the conference tournament.