After a few weeks of intense study, it appears President Obama next week will announce his plans to "finish the job" started more than eight years ago in Afghanistan.
Most analysts believe Mr. Obama will send thousands more U.S. troops into the war-torn country. A surge, like the one in Iraq, could bring upwards of 35,000 more U.S. combat troops after the first of the year.
The U.S. first committed troops to Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The plan then was to seek out al Qaida terrorists and destroy the networks that led to the U.S. attack.
With U.S. combat deaths mounting and polls showing rising opposition to an escalation of the war, President Obama knows he has some explaining to do. He told the Associated Press he believes the American people will back his plan once they understand the rationale.
The plan reportedly includes key dates on which benchmarks must be met to stop or slow deployments. It also needs to contain an exit strategy and incentives for Afghan troops and security forces to step forward and assume responsibility for the country's future.
Opinion
Expected troop surge needs exit strategy
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