Obama Deploys More Troops To AfghanistanObama Unveils Afghan Troop SurgeDecember 1, 2009 -- Addressing a war-weary nation, President Obama unveiled plans to deploy another 30-thousand U.S. troops to Afghanistan. In a nationally broadcast speech, the President also announced plans to start withdrawing U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 18-months. He said the U.S. 'has no interest in fighting an endless war in Afghanistan.' Obama's prime time speech was held at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Obama noted that the roots of the deadly 9-11 terrorist attacks were in Afghanistan. He insisted that a surge is necessary because the 'situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated.'
The President said the Taliban and al-Qaeda 'both seek an overthrow of the Afghan government.' Obama stressed the importance of stabilizing both Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan, where many al-Qaeda members have secured safe-haven. He said a 'cancer' has spread from Afghanistan and Pakistan and insisted that U.S. national security is at stake.
Obama argued that the surge will increase America's ability to 'train competent Afghan Security Forces, and to partner with them so that more Afghans can get into the fight.' He said it will 'help create the conditions for the United States to transfer responsibility to the Afghans.' Obama said, quote, 'Just as we have done in Iraq, we will execute this transition responsibly, taking into account conditions on the ground.' He will insist that Afghans will 'ultimately be responsible for their own country.'
There are currently about 68-thousand U.S. forces in Afghanistan. The additional 30-thousand troops will be deployed in phases, to be completed by next summer. NATO has another roughly 40-thousand troops in Afghanistan currently. President Obama asked NATO allies to boost their commitment to Afghanistan.
The surge is expected to be opposed by many Democratic liberals. Questions have also been raised about how the U.S. will pay for a troop surge in Afghanistan. Some Dems have proposed a special 'war tax.' President Obama put the rough cost of the new Afghan strategy at about 30-billion dollars. He vowed to work closely with Congress to address war costs honestly while also working to reduce the soaring federal deficit.
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