Created: 12/2/2009 7:39:44 PM 
(Gannett Washington Bureau) WASHINGTON - Senator Lindsey Graham sought clarification Wednesday on whether President Barack Obama's timetable for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan is firm or flexible.
The South Carolina Republican supports Obama's Afghanistan strategy, which includes a "surge" of 30,000 troops early next year and withdrawal beginning in July 2011.
But Graham said identifying a specific withdrawal date could embolden terrorists.
Two other Palmetto State Republicans - Sen. Jim DeMint and Rep. Bob Inglis of Travelers Rest - expressed tepid support for the president's plan, which Obama unveiled in a prime-time speech Tuesday night. They didn't specifically discuss the withdrawal timetable.
Responding to questions from Graham at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Obama could adjust the withdrawal timeline if circumstances warrant it. The administration plans to review progress in Afghanistan in December 2010.
"So his statement last night did not bind him to start withdrawing by 2011?" Graham asked.
"It was a statement of his strong intent," Gates replied.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton testified that setting a timeline is meant to underscore that the U.S. isn't interested in occupying or running Afghanistan.
Graham said he hopes the administration realizes this is "the last, best chance to get it right in Afghanistan."
Meanwhile, DeMint faulted Obama for not announcing his plan sooner, saying he worries about "the message it has sent to our enemies about our commitment to win this fight." Gen. Stanley McChrystal, whom Obama picked to be the top commander of ground forces in Afghanistan, requested about 40,000 more troops on Aug. 31.
"President Obama is our commander in chief and I hope his new plan will achieve victory in Afghanistan," DeMint said in a statement.
Inglis lauded Obama for "thoughtfully considering all options."
"The first responsibility of the federal government is to keep Americans safe from foreign enemies. We cannot allow Afghanistan to become any kind of victory for the al-Qaida terrorists and other radical Islamic extremists who killed over 3,000 Americans on American soil," Inglis said in a statement.
By RAJU CHEBIUM
