U.S. President Barack Obama is ordering some 30,000 more American troops to Afghanistan, starting in early 2010.
In remarks released ahead of Tuesday's highly-anticipated announcement
on the new Afghan strategy, Mr. Obama says the additional forces will
help accelerate the transfer of responsibility to Afghan forces and
allow U.S. troops to begin leaving the country by July 2011.
Mr. Obama says U.S. troops in Afghanistan will focus on targeting the
insurgency, securing key population centers and increasing the training
of Afghan security forces.
The president says he has asked U.S. allies to contribute additional
troops and resources in the days and weeks ahead. Mr. Obama says what
is at stake in the war is not only NATO's credibility, but the common
security of the world.
President Obama says that while the United States will continue to
advise and assist Afghanistan's security forces to ensure their
long-term success, ultimately the Afghan people and their government
are responsible for their country.