Obama Requests More Options for Troop Levels - FOXNews.com

Obama Requests More Options for Troop Levels - FOXNews.com: "President Obama grappled Friday with the costs and consequences of a long-term commitment to Afghanistan, but reached no decisions about troop levels, a top aide said, as military advisers briefed the president on an armed services already taxed by challenges around the globe.

The president reviewed his options with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and made clear he wants at least one more meeting with them and with his broader national security team before deciding on a revamped war strategy for the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, said a senior administration official.

The Washington Post reported two officials as saying late Friday Obama asked the Pentagon's top generals to provide him with more options for troop levels.

He reportedly is expected to receive several options from them next week.

U.S. officials have previously told the Associated Press Obama is considering sending a large number of additional U.S. forces to Afghanistan next year but fewer than Gen. Stanley McChrystal prefers. The president appears willing to send at least 10,000 to 15,000 troops of the 40,000 forces requested by McChrystal.

The Post reported Obama is seeking a strategy that would satisfy both his military and civilian advisers.

Obama's much anticipated review of how to right a deteriorating war effort is nearing its end but still weeks away from being wrapped up. Once made, he is expected to explain his decision to the American public and the international community in a prominent way, such as a major address. The details are not yet set.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff includes the service chiefs from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The group's main mission is to ensure that the armed forces are trained, ready, healthy and large enough to carry out the missions of the military. In that sense, the body plays a vital role in Obama's war planning."


It is more difficult to run a war when you can't just vote present and tell the whole world you have a better plan, hope and change blah blah blah .... the man can't decide on anything now after months of being told we need more troops and we are being over run.