By ANNE GEARAN (AP) – 2 days ago

WASHINGTON — The visiting German defense chief says Germany will hold off on any decision about adding troops to Afghanistan at least until the United States makes a move.

German Minister of Defense Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg paid a call at the Pentagon on Thursday. A day earlier, his nation announced it will continue its military mission in Afghanistan next year despite the war's unpopularity at home and doubts about the credibility of the Afghan government.

Guttenberg told reporters he assured Defense Secretary Robert Gates that Germany's commitment is firm. He also said Germany will make its own choices, and is waiting to hear whether President Barack Obama is adding U.S. forces.

Gates said the U.S. is looking for all the Afghanistan help it can get from European nations, but asking for anything specific is premature until Obama announces his plans.

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