White House announces Gates/Mullen briefing, topic Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen plan to brief the press at 2pm from the Pentagon, the White House has informed its press list. Gates' opening statement is going to deal with Afghanistan, an official told The Cable. Asked if they would announce a plan for more troops, he said he didn't think there would be any news there. Asked the last time the Secretary and Chairman did a press briefing together, a Pentagon press officer said perhaps a month ago.

Update: Gates suggests he's mulling his Afghan commander's request for more troops in Afghanistan.