Hagel in Afghanistan for first trip abroad

U.S. defense secretary seeks own assessment of war

3/8/2013

KABUL - Chuck Hagel arrived in Afghanistan today for his first trip abroad as U.S. defense secretary, seeking to make his own assessment about America's longest war as it enters its final stretch.

“I need to better understand what's going on,” Hagel told reporters as he flew into Kabul on the unannounced visit, adding his goal was to “make my own assessment and listen to our commanders".