Obama still undecided on Afghanistan future
Barack Obama fails to pledge increase in troop numbers for ongoing campaign in Afghanistan
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By Adam Leveridge. |  |
Wednesday, 07, Oct 2009 11:00
By Richard James.
US president Barack Obama has failed to pledge an increase in troop numbers for the ongoing military campaign in Afghanistan.
Mr Obama told members of Congress on Tuesday he would soon decide on a course of action but warned his decision would not please everyone.
The president met with around 30 senior congressional figures - Democrats and Republicans - on the eve of the eighth anniversary of the start of the military campaign.
Divisions are beginning to appear between some Democrats, who are continuing to raise fears over sending more US troops into Afghanistan, and Republicans who continue to publicly back senior military officials in calling for greater troop levels.
Reports suggest Mr Obama has ruled out scaling down the offensive to target key al-Qaida leaders, but has so far yet to commit either way on troop numbers.
The president's top commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, is said to be seeking between 30,000 and 40,000 more troops to be deployed.
However, some Democrats are worried about the potential dangers of an expanding military presence in the country.
Mr Obama has already raised troop levels in Afghanistan by 21,000 to a total of 68,000.
Public backing of the military campaign appears to be wavering in the US with recent opinion polls suggesting members of the public are becoming disillusioned in the fight against the Taliban.
Nearly 900 US soldiers have died since the offensive was launched back in September 2001.
Mr Obama will hold further meetings with military chiefs and ambassadors today to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.