Gates Hints Afghan Pullout Could Start Before July 2011

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, in an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, raised the possibility Wednesday that some U.S. troops could begin leaving the country before the July 2011 deadline for withdrawal.

Gates hedged his bets and did not elaborate. "We will begin that transition no later than July 2011, but the pace will depend also on conditions on the ground," he said, according to CNN.

President Obama ordered 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan last year and coalition forces are in the midst of an offensive against Taliban fighters.

The defense secretary toured training camps in eastern Afghanistan, observing exercises at Camp Blackhorse, where U.S. and British forces are working with Afghan soldiers.