Pentagon says Afghanistan's military will need 'substantial' help after 2014 troops' withdrawal

Afghanistan's military will require substantial training and foreign financial aid after the American and NATO combat mission will end in 2014, the Pentagon told Congress on Tuesday.

The Pentagon's claim comes amid debate about the White House's reluctance to announce how many U.S. forces should remain in Afghanistan beyond 2014 to help Afghan army fight the Taliban.

According to CBS News, in its twice-a-year report to Congress, the Pentagon said that it will be difficult to judge whether Afghanistan can keep the upper hand against the insurgent group.

The report also offered cautionary assessments of the economic and political elements of its strategy for stabilizing Afghanistan.

It said that effective government, the rule of law and sustainable economic development are all necessary for long-term stability in Afghanistan, but multiple factors continue to hinder them, including widespread corruption.

The report called the Taliban less capable, less popular and less of an existential threat to President Hamid Karzai's government.