Australian defence minister says Afghanistan conflict can be won
Updated
![Joel Fitzgibbon remains optimistic the conflict in Afghanistan can be won. [Defence Department]](http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/img/news/base/afghan_austroops_dod_160708.jpg "Joel Fitzgibbon remains optimistic the conflict in Afghanistan can be won. [Defence Department]")
Joel Fitzgibbon remains optimistic the conflict in Afghanistan can be won. [Defence Department]
Australia's defence minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, has used his first trip to Washington to call for more troops to be sent to Afghanistan and to defend Australia's withdrawal from Iraq.
Mr Fitzgibbon has told the Brookings Institution that progress in Afghanistan remains a challenge and he's unimpressed by the lack of a coherent strategy.
While he hasn't promised sending more Australian troops, he criticised the contributions of some unnamed NATO countries.
However, Mr Fitzbiggon remains optimistic that the conflict can be won.
"What does winning the war in Afghanistan mean from my perspective?" he said.
"It means winning the hearts and minds of the afghan people, proving to them that we're offering is better than what the Taliban or any other group can offer them."
Mr Fitzgibbon's talks comes a day before meeting Vice President Dick Cheney and Defence Secretary Robert Gates.
He's also defended the withdrawal of Australian combat troops from Iraq, saying the Federal Government wanted to restore the capacity to maintain peace and stability in Melanesia instead.
