question of nato member states or other states participating it's about the efficiency of the afghan national army and now it's going to take at least another four or five years for that afghan national army to be at least at the basic stage where it wants to be so i think in a process as we speak about pull out as you speak about countries withdrawing italy starting in two thousand and eleven ending twenty fourteen that's a five year period from now and the hope is that during that period the afghan national army will become somewhat self-sufficient at least at a basic level briefly new member states would be members like georgia bulgaria the baltic states are they going to fight is there are we here doesn't that mean that nato membership could be seen by some to be a kind of a carrot to attract new troops for the drilling coalition forces in afghanistan any mileage to that. but also as a deterrent to what many of them see there at least their perception to be russian aggression now that's debatable but from the views of many of those potential member states they look at it as a way of getting in

question of nato member states or other states participating it's about the efficiency of the afghan national army and that it's going to take at least another four to five years for that afghan national army to be at least at the basic stage where it wants to be so i think in a process if you speak about pull out as you speak about countries withdrawing it's really starting in two thousand and eleven ending twenty fourteen that's a five year period from now and the hope is that during that period the afghan national army will become somewhat self-sufficient at least at a basic level. but you know one of the main world news stories that most the world's news covering at the moment the world glued to that ongoing rescue operation of those chilean miners and stuff on the ground for more than two months so far tonight twenty men have successfully made it to the surface to be reunited with their families no one in recorded history survived as long trapped underground as these miners the release is the long awaited light at the end of the tunnel of course for the men are still going to want to go rigor

. >> handing over security to the afghan national army is a key part of the plan to withdraw troops from afghanistan. is it working? troops had serious worries about drug taking among afghan soldiers and high rates of desertion. our correspondent said this from outside canada are -- kahandahar. >> afghan and u.s. troops patrolled side by side. their mission is to take down taliban flags. it is dangerous work. the american sleet the operation but they are careful to wait for an afghan officer to remove the flag. all this is a carefully staged opportunity designed to show the afghan army are in charge and not the talha band. the strategy is the same in iraq, and over to the local forces. the time to achieve that is starting to look very short period -- very short. nato admits one-fifth of the afghan infantry are absent without leave. that figure may be much higher for those in combat. this battalion should be 796 strong. 217 men disappeared rather than go south to fight. later, 148 did not return from leave. almost half the men supposed to be here are missing. u.s. soldiers say many of the

. >> handing over security to the afghan national army is a key part of the british and american plano withdraw troops from afghanistan. is it working? u.s. troops have told the b.b.c. that they have serious concerns about drug taking among the forces and desertion. here is our report. >> deep in taliban country, afghan and u.s. troops patrol side by side. their mission, to take down taliban's flags. it is dangerous work. the americans lead the operation, but they are careful to wait for an afghan officer to remove the flag. all this is a very carefully staged photo opportunity, one designed to show that the afghan army are in charge and not the taliban. the strategy here is the same as in iraq. train and hand over to the local forces. but in afghanistan, the time to achieve that is starting to look very, very short. >> someone must have seen something. >> nato admits that nearly one-fifth of the afghan infantry are absent without leave. for units in combat, it could be much higher. this unit should be 796 strong. 217 men disappeared in kabul rather than good south to fight. later, 14

the afghan army national -- the a and p, the afghan police. always going through towns now. we are in a province where in the town of sharia is going on a patrol. this was once a hot bed of the taliban. right now we are going into a bizarre. but with the first battalion 506 regiment there, part of the band of brothers famed unit. getting to and from these villages is often very dangerous for the military. those roads are often lined with ied's. many times the ied's used against our military are made with some pretty crude devices. pressure cookers and fertilizers and a lot of times you can see the pressure cookers stored in market beside the -- store. a vehicle destructive device. they blow up a car or a bus or whatever it may to be injure soldiers and then they come and attack the soldiers with small arms fire. sometimes rpg's so these fires are on the ready. >> when the 506 are not on foot. patrols are conducted in heavily armed vehicles called m wraps which are credited with saving many lives. [explosion] >> soldiers survived this attack. but within the last two weeks, th

members of the afghan national army are guarding the crash site.ne was flying from bagram airfield when it went down. the cause of the crash is still unknown. >>> a hollywood a-lister came to capitol hill to draw attention to the crisis in sudan and america's involvement there. george clooney met with president obama along with john pender genshaft, co-founder of an initiative to end genocide. the actor is asking world leaders to use international pressure to prevent violence in the country. >> sudan is both an issue that is represented by both sides -- by both parties and has been well represented by senator luther and we would like to be here and we're just going to tell him what we saw and ask him if there is anything we can do to help the negotiations move smoother and safer. >> clooney just returned from sudan. he says there needs to be robust diplomacy to stop the threat of a civil war. soy a bizarre publicity stunt may have severely backfired on an unknown california band. the group called the imperial stars parked on the 101 freeway during

western province where there are less taliban, the idea was to hand over this province over the afghan national army. but this is going to raise serious concerns over the next coming months when they wanted to down scale in an area that was much quieter, now they're probably going to have to really reassess what they want to do here. >> okay. thank you so much for that live report. >>> msnbc is the place for politics. it's another big day on the campaign trail. president obama is wrapping up his trip out west where he held five rallies in four states. next up, an event this afternoon in minnesota. back in nevada, senator harry reid is hoping the president was able to drum up enough excitement to help hold off republican challenger sharron angle. >> let me tell you, las vegas, you have not forgotten, i have not forgotten, we are not going to buy what they are selling. that is a choice we've got in this election. >> and it's not only the president hitting the road. former new york city mayor roou rudy giuliani is dusting off his campaign shoes. pat toomey is leading joe sestak by just two points in th

and afghan national army soldiers engaged a force of 15 to 20 insurgents occupying prepared fighting positions. staff sergeant miller initiated the assault by engaging the enemy positions with his vehicle's turret-mounted grenade launcher while providing detailed descriptions of the enemy positions to his commands. following the engagement, staff sergeant miller led a small squad forward. as the group neared the small steep narrow valley that the enemy had inhabited, a large well-coordinated insurgent force initiated a near ambush, assaulting from elevated positions with ample cover. exposed and with little available cover, the patrol was totally vulnerable to enemy rocket-propelled grenades. staff sergeant miller was at the front of the patrol, cut off from supporting elements, and less than 20 meters from enemy forces. nonetheless, with total disregard for his own safety, he called for his men to quickly move back to cover positions as he charged the enemy over exposed ground in order to provide protective fire for his team. while maneuvering to engage the enemy, staff sergeant mil

because we're now able to put the troops in ma different areas at the same time along with afghan national army forces which have grown in size and also they are more than an acceptable force. that surprised me. i spent a lot of te with them and a lo of time with r commanders in terms ofheir assessment of that force and they're operating side by side th our fces. what's happening is those deciveorces-- both ahan d no, incilly u.s.-- are having an impt on the taliban and beginning to turn the momentum around to our favor. it is just at the beginning ages the evidence of at itheir morale. we've listened to their conversations everyday. and we're picking updence of low male. nterrogate them evidence of lo male. seco thi tt's happening is there are a numberf th, ery ngle battalio commaer an brigadeommaer had evidence of taliban who re willing to reintegrate. that means angeside that's a big deal. so that is the beginning of a change in momentum which will build, in my judgment, in scale over time. and i think we'll definitely have some favorable statistical results in a few months. >> rose: you kw

when we patrol in populated areas we make a big effort to get as many afghan national security forces out there, afghan national armynect with the people because in the among run they're the ones that are going to be here long-term, 50 years from now. we're not going to be here. so-- >> hopefully, hopefully that's true. well, with charlie company at forward operating base blessing, back to you, dave, clayton and alisyn. >> geraldo, thanks so much, what's going on there. >> thanks to our troops, as well. >> my goodness, great stuff. thank you. let's get right to the headlines, we start with a fox news alert and more stuff from afghanistan, there's new video into the fox news room from afghanistan, more evidence of just how violent it is there, homicide bombers, attacked the main u.s. office there. at least three armed militants entered the building wearing explosive vests and three guards working were injured and all staff have been accounted for. the biggest leak of american history has just happened. wikilea wikileaks, and now says they have another 15,000. the pentagon says the website is putting us in danger. our

his valor ultimately saved the lives of seven members of his own team and 15 afghan national army soldiersflessness above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his own life are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the united states army. >> join me in prayer. for today's ceremony has given us a vivid glimpse at the true source of our nation's greatness. it's founded in the heart and soul of dedicated women of heart and women like staff sergeant miller. rob's legacy of selfless service displayed in battle will never be forgotten in the annals of american history. may we never cease to live our lives worthy of noble patriots as rob miller an remain forever grateful for members of our armed services both past and present whose courage and commitment have kept our nation the land of the free and home of the brave. may your divine favor and eternal wisdom rest upon our president and all our national leaders as they lead and serve our great country. bless soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and guardians especially those in harm

. >> i believe, along with our nato partners that there is a clear program for training afghan national army and police so that they should be in the lead by 2014, that is our aim. i have said in addition we should not be in the major combat role, and i have to say to him, but then we would have been in helmand province of longer than the entire second world war. i simply do not expect that taking the long-term decisions about the defense of our country, making difficult you i- defense. i would say quite opposite. i am passionate about our armed forces, but you do not serve them by putting off decisions to the future. >> mr. roger williams. >> think you, mr. speaker. the appointments of the matrix as the preferred bidder for the project had been terminated. it is a disappointment for the armed forces who need those facilities and a disappointment for wales and the welsh economy. the statement goes on to say alternative options will begin as soon as possible. can the prime minister give us assurance that the site will remain prominent among the options? >> i absolutely can give him that assur

we haven't talked about the afghan national security force. the army and the police corrupt.n rate is larger than the growth -- >> greta: a nightmare. >> a nightmare. until support in peril. support in this country in peril. and then there is the pakistan problem which -- >> greta: one quick question. is secretary of state clinton, does he listen to her and take her advice or does he just humor her because of their political history? >> no. a lot of white house political advisers is david axelrod says to obama when they are considering hillary for a job right after the election, he said how can you trust hillary? obama i think trusts her -- >> greta: take her advice? >> no. i think her impact on the policy is not that great. she joined with gets in the military and i -- with gates in the military i call four, five blocks of granite that obama could not move around. joe biden, emerges -- >> greta: he's the provocateur asking the tough questions. he was impressive in this book. >> his intellectual arguments are as sound as anybody's. >> greta: obama's wars if you are in the mil

because if the afghan people begin to perceive the army as protecting a corrupt and ineffective national government, that respect that the afghan people have for their army will wane. sticking to the july 2011 date keeps the pressure on the karzai government to earn support for a national consensus against the return of taliban domination by curbing demonstration of effectiveness of the afghan government. i also do not that think we can ignore public sentiment here at home. increasingly, the american people across party lines question the cost and precious lives and in dollars of maintaining a large presence in afghanistan. a gallup poll in august showed that a large majority favored setting a timeline for reductions in u.s. troop levels. failure to adhere to the timeline that we have set can only undermine public support for the afghan mission. while this factor helps build the case for firmness on the deadline, i do not believe that president obama's firmness is motivated by politics. he believes as i believe that setting a july 2011 date and sticking to it is our best chance of succes

army. because if the afghan people begin to perceive the army as protecting a corrupt and ineffective national government, that respect that the afghan people have for their army will wane. sticking to the july 20 date keeps the pressure on the karzai government to earn support for a national consensus against the return of taliban domination by curbing monstration of effectiveness of the afghan government. i also do not that think we can ignore public sentiment here at home. increasingly, t american people across party lines question theost and precious lives and in dollars of maintaining a large presence in afghanistan. a gallup poll in august showed that a large majority favored setting a timeline for reductions in u.s. troop levels. failure to adhere to the timeline that we have set can only undermine public support for the afghan mission. while this factor helps bui the case for firmness on the deadline, i do not believe that president obama's firmness is motivated by politics. he believes as i believehat setting a july 2011 date and sticking to it is our best chance of success in afghani

afghan leaders to decide with whom to reconcile. >> rightow in washington d.c., president obama has handed out the nation's highest award for valor. the parents of armytaff sergeant robert miller will accept the medal honor from president obama and they have just done so. let's take you live to the white house now for the ceremony. and you can see the president right there with the parents. the harriurg pennsylvania native was leading a patrol of u.s. and afghanistan trps near the pakista border in june 2008 when insurgents open fire. despite being woued twice in the chest, miller continued firing and throwing grenades at the enemy ultimately sacrifices his own life to protect his fellow soldiers. >> a new field poll survey says a political endorsement from sarah palin which many consider political goals may not be something to brag about in california the survey found 58% of registered calirnia voters have an unfavoble vie of the former vice presidential candidate. only 33% had a favorable view. palin has endorsed carly fiorina challenging the incumbent barbara boxer. a reminder, ab 7 is sponsoring two upcoming debates with the silicon valley leader

afghan leaders to decide with whom to reconcile. >> right now in washington d.c., president obama has handed out the nation's highest award for valor. the parents of armytaff sergeant robert miller will accept the medal honor from president obama and they have just done so. let's take you live to the white house now for the ceremony. and you can see the president right there with the parents. the harrisburg pennsylvania native was leading a patrol of u.s. and afghanistan troops near the pakistan border in june 2008 when insurgents opened fire. despite being wounded twice in the chest, miller continued firing and throwing grenades at the enemy ultimately sacrifices his own life to protect his fellow soldiers. >> a new field poll survey says a political endorsement from sarah palin which many consider political goals may not be something to brag about in california. the survey found 58% of registered california voters have an unfavorable view of the former vice presidential candidate. only 33% had a favorable view. palin has endorsed carly fiorina challenging the incumbent barbara boxer. a reminder, abc 7 is sponsoring two upcoming debates with the silic

observed eight -- observing the training regimen, trying to see how ready the afghan army was to take over security of that nationin the areas we have secured. this whole concept of a secure, hold, and build, is based on having a well-trained afghanistan force. so in our conversations then, we do not see that the of guinness and force was fully trained and fully capable of taking these areas over. obviously, that is very significant. if you're going to successfully implement the secure, hold, and bill's strategy, you have to have an afghanistan force that is able and ready to do that. that is critical. it is also critical going forward in the decision making. it determines where we are in the status of our effort there with the troop build up and with this secure, hold, and build strategy. if we're about their training forces, you're right, that needs to be part of the decision making about our presence there. and then, how does that integrate with where we stand with the taliban and where the taliban stands with the afghanistan government? those are all critical decision making elements on what our presence is t

a regular update, as he does, on where we are in our goals at trading in afghan national security force, both in police and army. so i better have a sense of the tweaking part of that question after the meeting tomorrow. >> since it does have weekly updates as well, i am trying to get a sense of what kind of weight is given to these meetings. is it a broader? >> i would say, without getting into a lot of specifics were highly classified meeting, there are obviously part perspectives and a regularity as to go through. and the commanders and diplomatic representatives go through the elements on the ground and in different parts of the country. the president gets back fairly thick weekly update as well as this monthly teleconference. depending on the range of issues that are confronting the situation, again, it can be very granular. as some points you will be very granular, and at some points you will be much more 30,000 feet. >> [inaudible] >> well, obviously, there's a pakistani delegation here to continue the regular strategic dialogues that were begun in the spring of 2009. i think we see an unprecedented leve

afghan police and army. that was not the cheap with an international effort to. that goes to your question abt nation-building. >> we do have one last question going to the culture you said at the beginning, success depending on how people defiant act, a lot of people say we promised to bring democracy, this and that but we can because of their culture they are not disposed to its. do you think people in the west get the wrong idea that democracy should be a western-style democracy or nothing at all? what is success for you? >> i would define success as a country th is at peace and in which its government, i don't just mean kabul because afghanistan historically has not been run entirely by the center because of the lack of communication and ethnic groups but a country that is stable enough to work on its ecomic development and build its institutions to give people literacy which is critically important because illitery is the greatest gift of the taliban. and to rebuild the institutions that has an understanding with islamabad so the two neighbors with the overlapping strategic interest and live tog

national afghan soldiers. his heroism is in keeping with the highest tradition of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the united states armylause] >> join me for a prayer rive it is founded in the heart and soul of dedicated men and women alike staff sergeant robert miller. his legacy displayed and agassi never be forgotten in the annals of american history. may we remain for ever grateful for the members of our armed services past and present whose courage and commitment to have kept our names in -- that our nation in the land of the cree and the home of the brave. bless our soldiers, sailors, and everyone that stand in harm's way. bless the family is the stand alongside them, especially those love lost them in battle. we pray this in your holy name. amen. >> thank you. ♪ ♪ ♪

afghan police and army. that is not going to be cheap. it will be an international weapon. the coast your question about nation-building. >> let me ask you this. it goes right to this culture thing. you at the beginning said 6 cents, depending on how people find -- define that. i want to ask you about that. a number of people say, we promise to bring them democracy and dissent that and cannot because of their culture. if we cannot because they're not disposed to it. do you think sometimes that people, maybe in the west, get the wrong idea? that democracy should be a western-style democracy or not at all? >> success -- i would define success as a country that is at peace, and in which its government, and i do not just mean kabul, because afghanistan has not been run entirely by the center because of the ethnic groups and the lack of communication and so on, but a country which is stable enough to work on its economic development and build its institutions and give people literacy, which is critically important. illiteracy is the greatest gift to the taliban. and rebuild its institutions, and that has an underst