Australia shows signs it may withdraw its forces from Afghanistan as soon as it is appropriate, despite US and NATO calls for a surge in troops deployed.
Australian Defense Minister John Faulkner said on Wednesday Canberra was weighing options to complete operations in the 'shortest time-frame possible'.
"I've certainly asked the Australian Defense Force for any recommendations they have about ensuring we do complete that important role," Faulkner told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Faulkner admitted that Australia's decision would affect the strategy of the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal.
"There will be impacts on the approach that NATO and ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] partners will be taking as a result of Gen. McChrystal's 60-day assessment," he said.
Australia has the largest non-NATO presence in Afghanistan with 1,500 troops deployed.
McChrystal warned last month that the coalition forces would lose ground within a year if extra troops are not deployed.
US President Barack Obama is considering plans to boost US troops by 40,000 to more than 100,000.
The Australians have lost 11 soldiers in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion of 2001.
About 100,000 international troops are currently based in Afghanistan.
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