It has been almost 3 months since General McChrystal, the chief Commander of US Forces in Afghanistan, requested an addition 40,000 troops to fight the War in Afghanistan. The White House has said that President Barack Obama is considering 4 possible options to take, but has not listed any of them specifically.
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President Obama has made no decision regarding a troop buildup or Iraq-like “surge”, despite rumors from some anonymous sources. According to Press Secretary Gibbs, it could possibly be weeks before Obama makes any decision and no announcement would be made until late in the month after the President’s trip to Asia. On Wednesday, however, Gibbs said that Obama will meet with his national security team to go over the possibilities.
Military officials are currently drawing up plans on how to effectively use additional troops in Afghanistan, despite the fact that Obama will likely not grant the 40,000 McChrystal had recommended.
The President has undergone fire from conservatives and Republicans for the delay in his decision. Former Vice President Dick Cheney went as far as saying he was “dithering” when it came to Afghanistan. As of late, a sort of insurgent resurgence has sparked increased violence in the region.
Thus far in November, 15 men and women have died serving their duties. There were 77 and 74 deaths in September and October, respectively while Obama was still considering his options.
When it comes to making his decisionm Obama said we must ensure “that if we are sending additional troops that the prospects of a functioning Afghan government are enhanced, that the prospects of al-Qaida being able to attack the U.S. homeland are reduced.”
There has been no word from the President if he considers General McChrystal and other boots in Afghanistan as knowlegeable in those very subjects.
Sources: Google News
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