This is a polite way of saying what Robert Gates, the previous defence secretary said more baldly, that having seen the paltry defence efforts that Europe is willing to make, its time for the US to drawdown.

BBC: Re-ordering of priorities in new US defence strategy

He said at the time that he would begin the drawdown of the surge forces in July of 2011.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

The final decision about the pace of the drawdown in Afghanistan was not made at the time the FY 2014 Budget request was developed.

WHITEHOUSE: Letter -- Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Amendments