Posted on 01/18/2007 12:55:04 AM PST by MinorityRepublican
KABUL, Afghanistan - With Bush administration already planning a build-up of troops in Iraq, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday that military commanders in Afghanistan have appealed for more U.S. soldiers to reverse the gains of Taliban insurgents at a time of growing violence.
Gates, wrapping up his first visit to Afghanistan, did not say how many troops were requested. But other military officials have suggested that an additional 1,000 or 1,200 troops are needed, especially in anticipation of a spring offensive by the Taliban.
Gates indicated he would recommend a troop increase to President Bush.
"I think it is important that we not let this success here in Afghanistan slip away from us and that we keep the initiative," he told reporters at Bagram air base during a refueling stop before leaving the country.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., a potential candidate for the presidency in 2008, said Wednesday that commanders in Afghanistan told her on visit to region that they have "an urgent need" for about 2,300 more troops, some of whom could be held in reserve.
"It would be tragic if we fail in Afghanistan because of an unwillingness to deploy a manageable size of additional troops to aid an important and willing ally during a time of true need," she wrote in a letter to Gates that also was signed by Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., who accompanied her on the trip over the last week.
Extra troops would mean more strain on the U.S. military, which was already being tested on two major fronts when Bush announced a new plan to add 21,500 troops in Iraq. Bush said he will ask Congress to increase the size of both the Army and the Marines. Many current soldiers have fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan, sometimes twice.
(Excerpt) Read more at kansascity.com ...
I can just imagine Lincoln looking at his generals and saying "You can fight the war in North Carolina, just don't go an further south." Or Roosevelt saying "You can fight in France, but keep your hands off Germany."
How about this Mr. President: More troops for Pakistan!
Those clowns who run "Appeal for Redress" seem to have a lot of time on their hands....
Not another 1,200 troops?!!! Our military is broken; shattered I tell 'ya.
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