**Australian Defence Minister John Faulkner has asked for recommendations on how to complete operations in Afghanistan as early as possible.**The announcement is seen as the clearest signal so far that Australia may withdraw its 1,500 troops deployed in Afghanistan earlier than expected.
The Australian review comes as the top allied general in Afghanistan has called for a large troops increase.
Australia has the largest non-Nato troop presence in the country.
The BBC’s Nick Bryant in Sydney says the troop withdrawal could still be years away.
But he says Australia appears to be signalling that it will not send additional troops, following the call for reinforcements by Gen Stanley McChrystal, who heads US and foreign troops in Afghanistan.
Rock solid
Australia has confirmed that the soldiers it deployed to provide security during elections in August would stay for the presidential run-off next month.
“I’ve certainly asked the Australian Defence Force for any recommendations they have about ensuring we do complete that important role,” Mr Faulkner told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Mr Faulkner admitted that Australia’s move would affect the push by Gen McChrystal.
“There will be impacts on the approach that Nato and Isaf partners will be taking as a result of Gen McChrystal’s 60-day assessment,” he said.
Gen McChrystal warned last month that the war could be lost within a year without extra resources and President Barack Obama is considering boosting US troops by 40,000 to more than 100,000.
Australia has lost 11 soldiers in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd insisted the country’s commitment was “rock-solid” following the latest death in July.
However, Mr Rudd also admitted the war was “unpopular”.
He sent an extra 450 troops in April, but last week said Australia would not follow Britain’s move to provide another 500 armed forces.
About 100,000 international troops are currently based in Afghanistan.