US President Barack Obama is considering a speedier and possibly even more complete withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, but a decision will no be made soon, dpa quoted the White House as saying Tuesday. "This is not a decision that's imminent," said White House spokesman Jay Carney. "These are ongoing negotiations." The United States and Afghanistan are in negotiations over whether a US residual force should remain after combat operations end in 2014. Obama is committed to ending US military involvement in Afghanistan by then, but there have been negotiations about leaving a small force behind. A "zero option" that would leave no American troops there after 2014 is also being considered. Carney said that option "has always been available," but the final decision will be based on "political objectives" that include the stability and security of Afghanistan. Carney said final decisions will be based on what is best for Americans and Afghans. And he said no matter how many troops stay in the country, the US "will continue to be committed to Afghanistan beyond 2014."
