NATO papers over cracks in unity Nato leaders meeting in Chicago have made an attempt at a show of unity over the pullout from Afghanistan despite France's new president sticking to his own early withdrawal plan. The general message was there would be no rush for the exists although Francois Hollande has vowed to bring French troops home by year's end, two years earlier than the alliance's timetable. However, Hollande did say there was a cooperative stance over training, health, education, and the reinforcement of the Afghan administration, within which France could work. Leaders at the summit have had a difficult path to tread. On one hand showing voters there is an end insight to the 10 year conflict, while on the other reassuring Afghans they will not be abandoned. More about: Afghanistan, François Hollande, NATO, Summit, troops withdrawal