40,000 Extra Troops Bound for Afghanistan, Says Kabul Envoy

[tekisui]

Source: Financial Times

The administration of US president Barack Obama is to announce the deployment of an additional 40,000 troops to Afghanistan, according to the Afghan ambassador to Washington, as the US steps up its efforts to contain the growing Taliban insurgency.

The move would be controversial in Washington, where some influential politicians, led by Joe Biden, the vice-president, are at odds with General Stanley McChrystal, the US's senior commander in Kabul, who has publicly requested tens of thousands more troops.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/69896bbc-b9eb-11de-a747-00144feab49a,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F69896bbc-b9eb-11de-a747-00144feab49a.html%3Fnclick_check%3D1&_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fthecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com%2F2009%2F10%2F18%2Fthe-sunday-word-afghanistan%2F&nclick_check=1

[Kdillard]

1. We'll see if this is true. I would like to hear further details from

the White House. Why is all of this information coming from the UK?

[tekisui]

2. The drip, drip, drip of leaks are all indicating that this will be the

decision. I would be surprised if it turns out to be inaccurate.

[Bonobo]

4. I do not accept a "Kabul envoy's" opinion on our troop movement.

He could be saying it to influence events, in which case you are being manipulated.

I pray this is not true, but I do not think it helps for you to spread unfounded propaganda.

[tekisui]

6. Yeah, because re-posting an article on DU is so influential.

It isn't just him. When it was revealed that McCrystal really wanted 80,000, it was obvious that Obama was going to go for the previous high number of 40,000(or thereabouts). That is always he troop announcements work. Give a high and a low, then go with a lower number to give the appearance of moderation.

[Bonobo]

9. Well, if you thought you were influencing no one, would you still post? nt

[tekisui]

10. That is an interesting question.

I have often wondered how much influence DU has on framing debates. I don't know if it is just amongst ourselves or if it ripples out. I assume that we have influence among other DUers and when DUers talk to their friends and communities. I have no idea about any potentially broader influence. But, if I thought I was influencing no one, then I wouldn't post.

These leaks, whether to pressure the President or reveal truth, are important to have out there. Obama shouldn't be influenced by a statement from an Afghan envoy. That would put him in a weak position. If, though, this article causes people to condemn the idea of 40,000 troops, then it has served a good purpose. The more people who say is is a bad idea, the better.

[Bonobo]

11. Thanks for the thoughtful reply. nt

[Kdillard]

5. Well Rahm Emmanuel made it sound the opposite and basically

repeated what Kerry said when he was on State of the Union. So far the only drip drip has been from the BBC and this newspaper which if I am not mistaken are both from the UK. People always seem to have the impression that Obama is agreeing with them until he doesn't.

[PopSixSquish]

3. I Think the Afghan Ambassador Might be Jumping the Gun Here

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iqyaFh_efr-brDq0rMLF1hkop0tgD9BDHQO00

" President Barack Obama does not intend to decide about sending additional troops to Afghanistan until he is satisfied that the Kabul government can work effectively with the U.S., a top White House aide said Sunday.

"It would be reckless to make a decision on U.S. troop levels if in fact you haven't done a thorough analysis of whether in fact there's an Afghan partner ready to fill that space that U.S. troops would create and become a true partner in governing," said the president's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.

Emanuel gave no timetable for a presidential decision in Afghanistan. He said the White House plans to have additional strategy sessions this week and next, extending a review process that began after the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, reported that more U.S. troops are required."

[Kdillard]

7. Seriously aside from the papers in the UK the only impression I have gotten from the White House is

that a decision on troop levels has not been made and that the White House is basically in agreement with Senator Kerry's statements. Until I hear differently I will continue to be skeptical of these reports.

[Parker CA]

13. Yep. The reports are coming from groups who may desire the extra troops and are putting pressure

on Obama through their statements. Perhaps it will happen as they say, but like with healthcare, until something definitive is complete, speculation is only that.

[blm]

14. That's what it sounds like to me - Rahm repeated Kerry's statement almost word for word.

I don't think that was just coincidence.

[tekisui]

8. I read that.

If that is the case, then there will be no troops announcement for months. The UN is going to announce today their recommendations on a re-vote or run-off vote. That will take months to carry out, if Karzai allows it.

[Sinti]

12. NOOOO!!!!!! please say this is not true. n/t

[Phx_Dem]

15. Sounds like the Afghan ambassador is working with McChrystal to apply pressure.

This definitely sounds like bullshit to me. Since when do ambassador's announce military strategies?

Nice try asshole.

[Aramchek]

16. Obama will no be extorted by McChrystal or the Afghans. It will be his decision, not their's.

[Clio the Leo]

17. And what is the US Ambassador to Afghanistan saying?

His opinion holds a bit more weight IMO.