Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama Approves Afghan Troop Surge

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 17, 2009 3:32 PM CST

(Newser) – President Obama has approved an increase in troop levels in Afghanistan, which could put 17,000 more soldiers and Marines on the ground in the coming months, the AP reports. Insiders say they should be in place by the volatile summer period, when warmer weather and upcoming elections are expected to spur an increase in violence. About 36,000 troops are on the ground there now.

Pakistan army tanks fight near the Afghan border.
Pakistan army tanks fight near the Afghan border.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama.
President Barack Obama.   (AP Photo)
ISAF vehicles move the 3rd Brigade Combat Team from Bagram Air Field to the the FOB in the Logar province of Eastern Afghanistan.
ISAF vehicles move the 3rd Brigade Combat Team from Bagram Air Field to the the FOB in the Logar province of Eastern Afghanistan.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Caps
Feb 18, 2009 6:44 AM CST
Get us out these two wars. Nothing good is coming out of these two wars that Ole Georgie Boy started and did not finish. Just protect the USA.
Guest
Feb 18, 2009 12:54 AM CST
Why is he doing this? Why go after a guy that Bush couldn't get? If he some how can get (kill) Bin Laden, he'll create a martyr, a powerful martyr. This is a huge mistake!
NewserHound
Feb 17, 2009 5:57 AM CST
Thought Obama's platform was to remove us from this $$$ costing mess... not spend more. Nice touch.

More Newser Stories

Weak Afghan al-Qaeda Calls Surge Into Question

Obama Team Downplays Risks in Afghan Pullback

Pentagon to Send 30K New Troops to Afghanistan

After bin Laden's Death, Afghanistan Debate Heats Up

Troops on Course to Leave Afghanistan in July: Report


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne