Obama Weighing Afghanistan Troops Decision

Politico: 'Rather than sign off quickly on all or part of a long-standing Pentagon request for three Army combat brigades and Marine units [for Afghanistan], totaling over 10,000 troops, Obama and his aides are questioning the timetable, the mission and even the composition of the new forces, officials familiar with the deliberations said. ... Obama's deliberate pace represents yet another break with the usual style of his predecessor. Former President George W. Bush usually signed off quickly on requests for additional troops from his commanders, and, especially early in his presidency, he rarely engaged in lengthy discussions about what the troops would be used for. ...

'[T]hough the troop decision was once seen as an almost routine matter, Obama's discussions with [Defense Secretary] Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has evolved into a broader discussion about goals and methods in Afghanistan, even before the conclusion of the review. The delay in deciding reflects at least in part Obama's determination not to be rushed by the Pentagon brass into a decision before he fully understands the implications, several officials said. The slow pace also is an indication of the influence being exerted by Gates, who has warned repeatedly in recent weeks about rushing into a greater U.S. commitment in Afghanistan without carefully weighing the risks. ... The White House's longer timetable is likely an indication of its intention to shift the military strategy over the coming year. ... There are currently 33,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan ... Even if all three brigades are sent now, that would still only total less than half of the 30,000 additional troops that U.S. commanders once said they needed in the country.'