(Image Source: BBC)

BY BLAKE HANSON

NATO’s primary combat role in Afghanistan could come to an end in 2013. Top U.S. and NATO officials echoed each other Thursday -- discussing what would be an accelerated draw down in troops. NBC’s Today Show has the story...

“Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, said the U.S. military hopes to end its formal combat mission there some time in 2013.”

“The Pentagon says the U.S. will be open to teaming up with the Afghan army in the ongoing fight against the Taliban, and will stay on the ground through 2014.”

The Associated Press reports this is the first time NATO has hinted combat operations would end before 2014. A Sky News reporter says the move gives the Taliban a timetable.

“In some areas, in particular, the Taliban have decided to sit on their hands, let NATO go so they can then fight an easier foe in the form of the Afghan government.”

A writer for the National Post explains why there’s so little trust the Afghan government will be able to handle the job.

“No one even pretends that these troops will be coming home as victors. Instead, the job will be left to the Afghan military, which is decently trained and equipped, but has low morale and … is shot through with Taliban sympathizers.”

CNN’s Pentagon correspondent says support for the war from other NATO countries is dwindling, which could explain the accelerated timeline.

“Everybody agrees this war is not going to be sustainable much longer. Every source we speak with tells us that. So this is now a question of when, not if.”

Finally, the Christian Science Monitor asks -- what does this mean for the troops?

“Are they likely to be safer? To see less fighting? In practical terms, probably not … The move away from a ‘combat role’ into … an ‘advise and assist role’ is replete with some murky military definitions.”