The White House said Monday President Obama has no plans to walk away from the war in Afghanistan, which began eight years ago this week. Obama is expected to decide soon whether to send tens of thousands of more troops as requested by US commander General Stanley McChrystal.
During Monday’s White House press briefing, reporter Helen Thomas questioned Press Secretary Robert Gibbs about the President’s plans.

Helen Thomas: “Is pulling out of Afghanistan part of the assessment?”

Robert Gibbs: “No. In fact, the President was — the President was exceedingly clear that no part of the conversation on — no part of the conversation involved was leaving Afghanistan. That’s not something that has ever been entertained, despite the fact that people still get asked what happens if we leave Afghanistan. That’s not a decision that’s on the table to make.”

Thomas: “What does he think will happen?”

Gibbs: “What does he think will happen?”

Thomas: “If we leave?”

Gibbs: “I don’t think we have the option to leave. I think that’s — that’s quite clear.”