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Afghan Exit Strategy

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 17, 2008

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration, in the midst of a wide review of its war strategy in Afghanistan, is likely to recommend soon to the incoming Obama administration that the United States push for further expansion of the Afghan army as the surest path to an eventual U.S. withdrawal, The Associated Press has learned. The strategy review, which began in September amid increasing militant violence and a growing U.S. and allied death toll, is being coordinated at the White House and is expected to be presented by December.

THE BUSH STRATEGY

•Endorses fulfilling a standing request by the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. David McKiernan, for about 20,000 additional U.S. troops in 2009

•The emphasis should be on Afghan forces taking the lead.

THE OBAMA STRATEGY

•Send at least two or three additional combat brigades (one combat brigade typically has 3,500-4,000 soldiers)

•More training of Afghan security forces as well as more nonmilitary assistance

THE MILITARY REVIEW

•Gen. David Petraeus is conducting a review of Afghanistan due in February.

•Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is reviewing strategy in areas of western Pakistan.

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