BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says NATO allies are moving toward sending more troops and civilian aid to Afghanistan.

Gates said Friday he was "heartened" by allies’ commitment to the 8-year-old war, even as the Obama administration mulls whether to order tens of thousands more U.S. troops to the fight.

The Pentagon chief cited a long-term commitment by NATO partners to remain in Afghanistan until the conflict is successfully resolved.

AP | LARA JAKES | Friday, October 23, 2009