Exclusive: U.S. force in Afghanistan may be cut to less than 10,000 troops --- (Reuters) - The number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan may drop well below 10,000 - the minimum demanded by the U.S. military to train Afghan forces - as the longest war in American history winds down, Obama administration officials briefed on the matter say. -- Since Afghanistan's general election on April 5, White House, State Department and Pentagon officials have resumed discussions on how many American troops should remain after the current U.S.-led coalition ends its mission this year. -- The decision to consider a small force, possibly less than 5,000 U.S. troops, reflects a belief among White House officials that Afghan security forces have evolved into a robust enough force to contain a still-potent Taliban-led insurgency. The small U.S. force that would remain could focus on counter-terrorism or training operations. -- That belief, the officials say, is based partly on Afghanistan's surprisingly smooth election, which has won international praise for its high turnout, estimated at 60 percent of 12 million eligible votes, and the failure of Taliban militants to stage high-profile attacks that day. -- The Obama administration has been looking at options for a possible residual U.S. force for months. -- "The discussion is very much alive," said one U.S. official who asked not to be identified. "They're looking for additional options under 10,000" troops. - more, at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/21/us-usa-afghanistan-idUSBREA3K1DS20140421