Obama Orders 30,000 Troops To Afghanistan

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Barack Obama has ordered a major escalation of the war in Afghanistan, sending another 30,000 U.S. troops within six months he promised the American public was going to start bringing forces home in July 2011.

To unveil a highly anticipated speech that after three months of deliberation, President Obama said his new policy was designed to “bring the war to a successful conclusion.”

The surge will begin almost immediately, with 9,000 U.S. marines expected to be in place before Christmas in Helmand to launch an offensive with the British forces against Taliban strongholds, officials said.

Obama said he was confident that most NATO allies Britain would lead and the provision of additional troops, but so far only a few have suggested they will.

The U.S. President rejected criticism that he had taken too long to form its new strategy, after putting in 36 reports and holding nine meetings with national security team. No soldiers were ready to deploy before now, he said.

He reaffirmed an “over-arching goal” in March to “dismantle, disrupt and defeat” al-Qaeda on both sides of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“We have to deny al Qaeda a safe haven,” he said. “We have to reverse the momentum of the Taliban … and we must strengthen the capacity of Afghan security forces and government.”

He said terrorists sent from the region had recently been arrested in the U.S..

“It is clear that the Afghan government – and, more importantly, for the Afghan people – who will ultimately be responsible for their own country,” the president said.

“Let’s be clear about what we expect from those receiving our help. We will support the Afghan ministries, governors and local leaders to fight corruption and provide the population.

“We hope that those who are ineffective or corrupt to account. And we will focus our assistance in areas – such as agriculture – which can make an immediate impact on the lives of Afghans.”

As for the camera at one point, he addressed the people of Afghanistan directly, “I want the Afghan people to understand – the United States seeks to end this era of war and suffering. We have no interest in occupation of their country. “

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