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09-25-2009, 11:53 AM
Petraeus Backs McChrystal on Afghan War
September 25, 2009
United Press International
Petraeus Backs McChrystal on Afghan War
WASHINGTON -- Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia, says he endorses Gen. Stanley McChrystal's strategy in Afghanistan.
The Afghan assessment is contained in a confidential report prepared by the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. The thrust of McChrystal's assessment is that without more troops by next year the eight-year-old conflict could result in failure.
Speaking at a conference of military and civilian counterinsurgency experts, Petraeus said the current multi-dimensional approach is the only way to fight terrorism in Afghanistan, the Voice of America reported. He said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen also has endorsed McChrystal's assessment, the report said.
"To counter terrorism, and I'm talking about terrorism writ large, extremism, requires more than just your special mission unit forces," Petraeus said. "It really requires a whole of governments, counterinsurgency approach. Many different government agencies, civil-military partnerships and, again, a comprehensive approach to these problems is the answer."
The report quoted Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell as saying McChrystal's troop request will be sent to Defenses Secretary Robert Gates this week, while a review by President Barack Obama and his administration officials continues. Morrell said there may be changes in the troop buildup if Obama decides to adjust his strategy.
VOA said McChrystal is expected to ask for tens of thousands additional troops over and above the 21,000 Obama has authorized by the end of this year.
U.S. troop casualties have been rising, with more than 360 killed so far this year, or about 25 percent of the total during the eight-year conflict, the report said. Morrell was quoted as saying troop deployment decision is particularly difficult with the jump in casualties.
September 25, 2009
United Press International
Petraeus Backs McChrystal on Afghan War
WASHINGTON -- Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia, says he endorses Gen. Stanley McChrystal's strategy in Afghanistan.
The Afghan assessment is contained in a confidential report prepared by the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. The thrust of McChrystal's assessment is that without more troops by next year the eight-year-old conflict could result in failure.
Speaking at a conference of military and civilian counterinsurgency experts, Petraeus said the current multi-dimensional approach is the only way to fight terrorism in Afghanistan, the Voice of America reported. He said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen also has endorsed McChrystal's assessment, the report said.
"To counter terrorism, and I'm talking about terrorism writ large, extremism, requires more than just your special mission unit forces," Petraeus said. "It really requires a whole of governments, counterinsurgency approach. Many different government agencies, civil-military partnerships and, again, a comprehensive approach to these problems is the answer."
The report quoted Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell as saying McChrystal's troop request will be sent to Defenses Secretary Robert Gates this week, while a review by President Barack Obama and his administration officials continues. Morrell said there may be changes in the troop buildup if Obama decides to adjust his strategy.
VOA said McChrystal is expected to ask for tens of thousands additional troops over and above the 21,000 Obama has authorized by the end of this year.
U.S. troop casualties have been rising, with more than 360 killed so far this year, or about 25 percent of the total during the eight-year conflict, the report said. Morrell was quoted as saying troop deployment decision is particularly difficult with the jump in casualties.