Obama Faces Afghan War Troop Request

[unhappycamper]

Obama Faces Afghan War Troop Request
February 13, 2009
International Herald Tribune

President Obama is facing a choice on whether to grant commanders' requests for additional troops in Afghanistan before he has decided on his new strategy there.

While the decision is expected to be the first significant military move of his presidency, defense officials said that Obama could choose a middle ground, deploying several thousand more troops there in the coming months but postponing a more difficult judgment on a much larger increase in personnel until after the administration completes a review of Afghanistan policy.

The officials said that Obama may deploy one or two additional brigades, between 3,500 and 7,000 Soldiers.

But he has other options, and several administration officials said it was also possible - though less likely - that he could postpone any deployments until after his review was complete. Such a move would not find much favor with commanders in Afghanistan, who have a standing request for an additional three brigades, or more than 10,000 Soldiers.

It is also possible that Obama will fill the request for all three brigades, administration officials said.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/obama-faces-afghan-war-troop-request.html?col=1186032310810