Bachmann Says Afghan War End Remains ‘Very Fluid’

ST. PAUL  (AP) - After spending time in Afghanistan, Minnesota Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann says it's premature to commit to a prescribed end to the U.S. combat role there or a longer-term troop presence.

Bachmann says her up-close look and her conversations with key figures in the region underscore a "very fluid" situation. On a conference call Monday, Bachmann wouldn't let herself get pinned down on whether she supports a U.S. and NATO agreement to withdraw foreign combat forces by 2014.

Bachmann says after investing a decade there, the U.S. shouldn't walk away prematurely or stay longer than it needs. She says Afghan forces need to be ready to take over and sustain gains, but she's not convinced they are yet.

Bachmann was in the Middle East as part of a congressional delegation.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)