Noting the U.S. strategic interests in the region , including nuclear power Pakistan next door , Jones said : `` We 're going to be in the region for a long time . '' Obama aides hit July 2011 talk shows to discuss nuances of Afghans troop withdrawal . National security adviser says Sunday is `` not a cliff , it 's a ramp '' for starting pullout . Defense secretary tells Defense `` there is n't a deadline '' to get troops out . Administration trying to wipe out terrorist network while satisfying liberal base .
Obama aides hit July 2011 talk shows to discuss nuances of Afghans troop withdrawal . National security adviser says Sunday is `` not a cliff , it 's a ramp '' for starting pullout . Defense secretary tells Defense `` there is n't a deadline '' to get troops out . Administration trying to wipe out terrorist network while satisfying liberal base .