More Troops in Afghanistan

The US commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, will request more troops in Afghanistan this week, but the Obama administration will decide on a solution once a review on war strategy is completed. Defense Secretary Robert Gates wasn't planning on presenting the troop request from General McChrystal to President Obama until strategy discussions on the Afghan mission were finished. Pentagon press secretary Geof Morrell, told reporters that it was "premature to consider additional resources" until an evaluation of the war effort submitted by General McChrystal was fully reviewed. He went on further to say that Secretary Gates understands that it's a huge decision for the president and he wants to make sure that he and the president feel comfortable with their decision before sending troops off to battle. Secretary Gates hasn't publicly indicated his stand-point but his perspective could play an important role in Obama's decision. The exact number of troops Gen. McChrystal plans to request is still unclear, but it is estimated to range from 10,000 to 30,000 to help defeat the "tide" against Taliban insurgents. The defense secretary hadn't decided whether or not more troops are needed in Afghanistan. The head of central command, General David Petraeus, said that "the most senior leadership" plan to have many important meetings over the next several weeks to discuss the future in Afghanistan. Democrats in Congress continue to feel anxious over the Afghan mission because of the rising numbers in casualties, a disputed election and the decrease in public support for the war. It's estimated that there are about 65,000 US troops in Afghanistan right now and it is expected to reach 68,000 by the end of the year. Gen. McChrystal's request for more troops is crazy and absurd because I think this war has been going on for too long already and more and more troops continue to lose their lives in war.