He said the main goal must be to prevent the country from again becoming a base for terrorist attacks on the United States as it was in 2001,which he said requires preventing the Taliban from returning to power.

VOA: standard.2009.09.22

And although U.S.officials say small adjustments may be possible in the specific plan for an air base in northern Okinawa, Secretary Gates said he doubts the U.S.Congress would agree to significant changes in the agreement, particularly if they would cost the United States more money.

VOA: standard.2009.10.20