Gates says Afghanistan withdrawal capitalizes on success Published June 23, 2011 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- U.S. service members have made tremendous progress in degrading the capability of the Taliban while enhancing Afghan security forces, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said following the president's announcement June 22, regarding withdrawal of U.S. forces. Below is the secretary's full statement: "Over the past 18 months, our troops have made tremendous progress degrading the capability of the Taliban while enhancing the Afghan security forces. It is critical that we continue to aggressively prosecute that strategy. I support the president's decision because it provides our commanders with enough resources, time, and perhaps most importantly, flexibility to bring the surge to a successful conclusion." (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)