InfoAnda - Major troop decisions for Afghan war await Obama

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Investors dump brokers to go it alone online | Technology | | 25 July 2009
Karzai to unveil Afghan cabinet 'within days' | 6 December 2009
INSIDE WASHINGTON: Labor board in gridlock | 7 September 2009

Study: Abortion Not Linked With Teen Depression And Low Self-Esteem | 27 September 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Major troop decisions for Afghan war await Obama

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Search Search: Major troop decisions for Afghan war await Obama By LOLITA C. BALDOR,Associated Press Writer AP - Sunday, January 18 WASHINGTON - Lingering decisions on how quickly the Pentagon can get U.S. forces out of Iraq and into Afghanistan are being pushed off until after the Obama administration takes over next week as military commanders continue to wrangle over where the troops are needed most. By the end of this month, Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to approve sending more Marines to southern Afghanistan, effectively lowering their numbers in Iraq's western Anbar province, and he may also endorse deploying an Army brigade equipped with armored Stryker vehicles. Senior military officials say there is general agreement to cut back on the 22,000 Marines in Iraq, but Army officials have concerns about how to free up the Stryker unit. As the Pentagon looks to double the existing force in Afghanistan, the overall cast of the military's growing force in Afghanistan is becoming clearer: Commanders want to beef up the expeditionary units and trainers in the south and east with enough new troops to stem the violence without becoming an occupying force that would alienate the Afghan population. Their challenge, however, is to get troops out into the hundreds of tiny villages in the volatile southern region, where the Taliban insurgency has been centered. To do that, Gen. David McKiernan, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has asked for more mobile forces and believes the strykers will allow soldiers to move more easily along the rugged trails to the widely dispersed tribal enclaves. Stryker brigades come outfitted with several hundred eight-wheeled, 19-ton Stryker vehicles, which offer greater protection than a Humvee and are more maneuverable than the heavily armored mine-resistant vehicles that are being used across Iraq. With generals heading the Iraq war reluctant to give up troops, and those in Afghanistan demanding more help, Pentagon officials have been struggling to stretch an already-strained force to meet both needs. But as President-elect Barack Obama prepares to take office, there is already increasing pressure to more rapidly reduce forces in Iraq, to meet Obama's stated intention to make Afghanistan a higher priority. A key unanswered question _ which will ultimately determine the size and makeup of the force _ is what the Obama administration's goal in Afghanistan will be. Will he continue President George W. Bush's emphasis on spreading freedom and democracy? That would create the need for an extensive, lengthy and diverse effort to stabilize and modernize the weak Afghan government, build infrastructure and require a commitment for decades or more. Or will he say the mission is simply to do enough military damage there to ensure that Taliban, al-Qaida and other terror groups in Afghanistan and along the Pakistan border are dismantled or defeated enough to prevent another attack on America? In an interview during his final days in office, Stephen Hadley, Bush's national security adviser, told The Associated Press that he believes the fight for democracy must go on, and that more special operations forces are needed in Afghanistan. "I think it's important for this new administration not to lose the emphasis on the importance of freedom and democracy as an element of succeeding in Iraq and Afghanistan, and succeeding in the war on terror," Hadley said. Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters that Obama and his national security team are still discussing their Afghanistan strategy and how it will take shape. Fundamentally, Morrell said, it will be a counterinsurgency fight and the next president, advised by Gates and his military leaders, "will ultimately come to some understanding about where this president wants to lead the mission in Afghanistan." A second challenge, is how to meet the need for various support forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Under a U.S.-Iraq security agreement, American combat forces must be out of Iraqi cities by June, and out of the country by 2011. But support forces _ ranging from intelligence and surveillance experts to engineers and logistics personnel _ are specialists the Iraqis don't have and will continue to need. At the same time, those are the same forces McKiernan needs in Afghanistan to build the infrastructure for his growing force and to enhance surveillance, particularly along the Pakistan border. Pentagon officials have said they plan to send up to 30,000 additional troops to the Afghan war, including four combat brigades and thousands of support forces. Of those, Gates said three brigades and some of the support troops will go in by summer. A brigade is roughly 3,500 troops. Even as decisions on major units have been delayed, Gates this week approved the deployment of about 2,000 new support troops to Afghanistan, including about 660 Navy sailors from a construction and engineering unit based in Gulfport, Miss. The others include military police, medical personnel and other logistics specialists, senior military officials said. The sailors _ known as Seabees _ can deploy quickly for emergencies or disasters to build roads, bridges and other facilities. A few hundred Seabees serving in Kuwait have already been transferred to Afghanistan, according to the Navy. There are currently 33,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, including 15,000 with the NATO-led coalition and 18,000 fighting insurgents and training the Afghan army and police. There are 142,000 U.S. troops in Iraq _ still more than the total there before the force build-up which began in early 2007, and is credited in part for the decline in violence. Future troops levels also depend on the outcome of several military reviews of the Afghanistan strategy that are under way or recently completed, including a key administration study that Bush officials expect to deliver to the Obama White House. By the end of the month, Gates is expected to approve the deployment of the Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to Afghanistan. But senior officials say they are still working out the numbers. A MEB can vary in size and makeup, and can swell to as many as 20,000 Marines, although a total that high is unlikely. ___ On the Net: Defense Department: http://www.defenselink.mil Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: World Opposition leader returns to Zimbabwe ahead of talksAFP - 26 minutes ago Russia and Ukraine meet amid hopes of gas dealReuters - 37 minutes ago Ohio man sentenced in nursing home sex abuseAP - 40 minutes ago Suicide bomb kills two civilians in Afghan capitalReuters - 43 minutes ago Obama: Orderly change tribute to USAP - 51 minutes ago Most Popular – World Viewed Hormone drives sexy women to infidelity, says study 'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson Michelle Obama's ball gown has fashionistas abuzz Israel poised to call unilateral halt to Gaza onslaught Boy George jailed for 15 months for imprisoning escort View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Saturday, 17 January 2009
Momentum builds for a self-ruled southern Iraq
Gunmen kill election candidate in Iraq
Pentagon sending Navy Seabees to Afghanistan | International |
Financial crisis ate your job? Try MySpace
Gaza ceasefire efforts gather pace
Tom Hanks Has Harsh Words For Mormon Church's Involvement In Prop 8
Iran's Ahmadinejad says Obama regime 'hostile' to Gazans
'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson
Renowned "Painter Of The People" Artist Andrew Wyeth Dies At Age 91
Piracy jumps on wave of attacks off Somalia | International |
US consumer prices drop 0.7% in December
Argentine ranchers cry help as drought kills cattle | International |
Oprah's Secret Cocaine Addiction Past Revealed By Dying Ex-Boyfriend
Boy George Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For False Imprisonment
Steve Jobs's cancer may have recurred: doctors | Technology |
AMD to cut 1,100 jobs | Technology |
EU accuses Microsoft of curbing Web browser rivalry | Technology |
Obama's half brother performs in China
Obama warns about economy, even with stimulus
Financial crisis ate your job? Try MySpace | Technology |
China FM urges withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza
Israel, US sign anti-Gaza arms smuggling deal
Global digital music sales up 25 percent | Technology |
Gazprom Neft chief says could cut capex by 45 pct
Gaza war fuels anti-Israeli anger in Indonesia
Pentagon sending Navy "Seabees" to Afghanistan
China makes arrests in Internet porn campaign | Technology |
Miliband says Pakistan needs to go further on Mumbai
Rice, Livni sign anti-arms smuggling deal for Gaza
Sprint pitches $2 billion emergency network to Obama | Technology |
'Go Team' investigators probe miracle air crash
Tom Hanks Blasts Mormon Church For Opposing Same-Sex Marriage In California
Pilot Praised For His "Masterful," Rare Water Landing
Good Bye, Circuit City
Circuit City Announces It Will Liquidate
Massive Cold Front Blankets Much Of U.S. With Chilly Temperatures
Pakistan's July/Dec c/a deficit narrows to $6.053 bln
US business lobby expects SKorea deal to go through
US nuclear business delegation visits India
Switzerland, Japan to clinch trade pact next month
Slamdance festival marks 15th year beside Sundance | Entertainment |
Artist Andrew Wyeth dies at age 91 | Entertainment |
Foundation cancels 2010 poetry festival
Anne Hathaway gets starstruck over `Slumdog' star
Christian refuses to drive "No God" bus
Artist Andrew Wyeth dies at age 91
As lightning deaths soar, Cambodians look to superstition
Nude photo of 20-year-old Madonna on auction block
`Friday Night Lights' has new hope for survival
US-TECH Summary
Facebook Drops Burger King 'Whopper Sacrifice' Campaign
Israel to vote on truce plan proposed by Egypt
Turkish leaders urge greater UN role in Gaza conflict: report
Venezuela to vote February 15 on Chavez term limits | International |
Putin lashes out at EU ahead of Moscow gas summit
Israel poised to call unilateral halt to Gaza offensive: source
Advanced Micro Devices to cut 1,100 jobs and reduce salaries
Congo villagers take up arms against LRA rebels | International |
Dump-friends-for-Whoppers application irks Facebook
UN says Gaza hospitals in crisis
U.S. Treasury targets bin Laden's son | International |
Iraqi guards said to throw party for shoe-thrower
Refugee stream from Sri Lanka's war zone picks up | International |
Global digital music sales up 25 percent
EU accuses Microsoft of harming browser competition
Sprint pitches $2 billion emergency network to Obama
AMD to cut 1,100 jobs
Bush go-ahead to Peru trade deal sparks criticism
Brazil's Silva expects Chavez-Obama talks
Pentagon: Seabees shifting from Iraq to Afghan war
Washington Preparing 42,500-Strong Security Force For Obama's Inauguration
Wall Street Ends Higher Despite Concerns In Banking Sector
Osama Bin Laden May Be Suffering From Illness, New Tape Suggests
China: Melamine victim's parents accept $29,000
Toyota suspends domestic production: report
Christie Brinkley's Got Milk, has hope for Obama | Entertainment |
ABC feeling economic, digital pressures | Entertainment |
Motley Crue's Lee revives Mayhem | Entertainment |
Booker T. rocks with Truckers, Neil Young | Entertainment |
Conficker Worm Spreads To 3.5 Million Computers
Sundance goes green as environment takes spotlight
Beyonce to serenade Obamas with 'At Last'
Bruce Springsteen's new disc gets NPR Web debut
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Christie Brinkley's "Got Milk," has hope for Obama
Booker T. rocks with Truckers, Neil Young
Demi Lovato hopes Obama can end Iraq war
Motley Crue's Lee revives Mayhem
Kimbell Art Museum names new director
Nick Jonas on Sasha and Malia: 'Very sweet girls'
Huge blast rocks Afghan capital
Israel may halt Gaza war | International |
Israel poised to call unilateral halt to Gaza onslaught
British PM urges banks to come clean over bad assets
Obama refuses to surrender Blackberry
Suicide bomb kills 3 Afghan civilians in capital | International |
Russia, EU, Ukraine set for gas talks
All aboard, as Obama takes slow train to power
N.Korea: Not dropping nuclear plan on U.S. threat | International |
Mobile carriers answer call for new services
Bin Laden son Saad left Iran, now in Pakistan: U.S. | International |
Albanian town bids sorrowful farewell to Bush | International |
Cuba's Fidel Castro working and writing: Chavez | International |
Chavez brushes off rumors of Fidel's bad health
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,227
Mentor urges Taiwan's Ma to ensure trial fairness
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 567
Afghan child killed, 21 wounded in Kabul blast
Microsoft CEO and Yahoo Chairman have met: reports | Technology |
EU accuses Microsoft of harming browser competition | Technology |
Report: Tamil rebels kill 51 Sri Lankan soldiers
Japan marks 14th anniversary of deadly Kobe quake
Mobile carriers answer call for new services | Technology |
China lawyers to sue Christie's over Yves Saint Laurent auction: report
11 wounded at German Embassy bombing in Kabul
NKorea: Priority to build up nuclear deterrent
Investigators To Remove Plane From Hudson River, Recover Missing Engines
Singapore government to tighten laws against protests: deputy PM
Authorities Bare Names Of 5 Fatalities In Homeless Shelter Blaze
Kidnap forces ICRC to halt operations in southern Philippines: report
Israel, U.S. Sign Deal To Curb Arms Smuggling In Gaza
Bomb attack targets German Embassy in Kabul
Worm Infects 3.5 Million PCs Running On Windows
Pakistani cenbank sells 20 bln rupees of T-bills
Toyota to halve domestic production for three months: reports
Air China warns it faces loss due to fuel hedging
Patrick Swayze released from hospital | Entertainment |
Sundance opens with hope for indie film | Entertainment |
Piven hit with grievance for leaving Broadway: NYT | Entertainment |
Beatles films inspire new Jonas Brothers TV show | Entertainment |
U.S. company has plans for Ingmar Bergman catalog | Entertainment |
Piven hit with grievance for leaving Broadway: NYT
Patrick Swayze released from hospital
Piven hit with grievance for leaving Broadway: NYT
Swayze checks out of hospital, publicist says
'Plow' producers file grievance against Piven
Patrick Swayze released from hospital
Prosecution: Polanski has no right to hearing
U.S. company has plans for Ingmar Bergman catalog
Beatles films inspire new Jonas Brothers TV show
Kabul blast kills two Afghans, wounds US, Germans
Russia, Ukraine seek to resolve gas row | International |
McLaren and Hamilton mine new energy reserves
N.Korea has weaponised plutonium stocks: U.S. expert | International |
Putin says likes Obama, but urges caution | International |
Suicide bomb kills 4 civilians in Afghan capital | International |
Sri Lanka rebels say kill 51 troops; army says lost 7 | International |
Philippine troops scour island for Red Cross captives | International |
U.S. says not closing its military base in Kyrgyzstan | International |
Putin warns of 'big expectations' of Obama
Major troop decisions for Afghan war await Obama
All aboard, as Obama takes slow train to power
Thailand agrees to repatriate 5,000 Hmong refugees to Laos
PM admits rights abuses do occur
Kyrgyzstan to close US airbase 'in a matter of days'
Bomb kills 2 Afghans, wounds 6 US troops in Kabul
No Chinese response to memo on Tibet's autonomy
Philippine troops scour island for Red Cross captives
BCA plans to train 9,000 people to meet industry demand
Malaysia's bellwether by-election 'neck-and-neck'
Minister George Yeo to make 3—day official visit to France
MPs continue normal routine of activities despite last week’s attack
NKorea warns of retaliation against Seoul's policy
Report: Toyota to halve Japan vehicle output
Taiwan to let banks put forex deposits in c. bank
Philippines to charge firms blacklisted by WB if graft proven:govt
Iranian cleric calls for shooting Israeli FM
German banks face billions more in losses
Nokia's music service set for Australia, Singapore
Vatican to get own YouTube channel
Malaysia's Islamists win key by-election | International |
Nokia's music service set for Australia, Singapore
Iran court convicts 4 over alleged US-backed plot
Afghan foreign minister unhappy with Clinton
Pakistan: 10 days for Mumbai attack investigation
Nokia's music service set for Australia, Singapore
Vatican to get own YouTube channel | Technology |
NKorea warns of retaliation against Seoul's policy
Stars from "The Little Nyonya" gather for big reunion
Nokia's music service set for Australia, Singapore | Technology |
Malaysia's Islamists win key by-election
Rampaging wild elephants kill 3 in northeast India
MAS announcement brings relief to some, raises more issues for others
Three-Year-Old Texas Girl Mauled To Death By Rottweiler
Obama, Biden Embark On Whistle Stop Train Tour To DC
PM admits rights abuses do occur
South Carolina 6-Year-Old Girl Accidentally Shot, Killed By Uncle
N.Korea says plutonium "weaponised" and off-limits
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01