City-Focused Afghan Plan Winning Support

'Skeptic-in-chief' Biden challenges McChrystal's call for more troops

(NEWSER) - Gen. Stanley McChrystal's call to beef up the war effort in Afghanistan is proving a tough sell with senior administration officials. White House advisers challenged many aspects of the commander's assessment at a meeting this week, including his belief that al-Qaeda would again find sanctuary in Afghanistan if the Taliban regains control. Joe Biden played the role of "skeptic-in-chief," one official tells the Washington Post. More»

Administration fears time is running out to stop Taliban

(NEWSER) - The Obama administration has more than doubled the number of special forces in Afghanistan, tasking them with hunting down Taliban leaders—in part because it’s worried that the US has a dwindling window to defang the insurgency before its scheduled 2011 withdrawal, senior officials tell the LA Times . They’re also hoping that eliminating Taliban leaders will push more insurgent fighters to defect. More»

When fighting ends, an Afghan government will move in

(NEWSER) - The massive new assault under way in Afghanistan represents the new military strategy of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, writes Dexter Filkins. When the fighting is over and coalition forces have taken control of the Taliban stronghold of Marjah, the Afghan government will quickly set up government offices along with a police force. The idea is to push for long-term stability to get the civilian population on board. More»

Prez finalized decision last night, will address nation next week

(NEWSER) - President Obama has made his choice on Afghan strategy after months of deliberations and will announce it next week, administration sources tell McClatchy . The president finalized his decision to send another 34,000 troops in meetings last night, and plans to address the nation on the choice next Tuesday, prior to congressional hearings. More»

(NEWSER) - The Obama administration is busy figuring out how to fine-tune its Afghan strategy while most Americans by and large just want us out of there. "A clash is coming," warns Bob Herbert. Most people are tired of the war, worried about the recession, and in no mood for yet another protracted conflict. "The difference between the public’s take on this war and that of the nation’s top civilian and military leadership is both stunning and ominous." More»