CNN

By the time every is said and done, the United States will have in Afghanistan what the russian had, about 100.000 men. And what happened then, they lost and went back to Russia. I guess Obama wants to have more dead soldiers on his conscious. The military is a fighting machine, the generals that runs the military rather be at war than sitting in their office going through paper work. It's their job, to fight and ran a war, that sometimes it's not the only option the military have. President Obama should recall every fighting man in Afghanistan and Iraq, and send them where they are most needed. Right now, nowhere.

To all of you who want the President to rush to send more military into this war, I ask why? Whatever we do there, or have done in Iraq will not work anytime soon because of the very people who live in these places. It will take years, if ever, for them to value human life enough
to want to live in peace. Just as it took years for us before we learned to want something different than constant fighting. The sad part about all of this for America is that we seem to have forgotten the lessons we learned, and we seem to be headed toward war here in this country among our own people again. I hope I am completely wrong, but in all my years I have never seen hate and uncivilized behaviour as rampant as it is now.

The delay, though carpingly criticized by all and sundry, seem to make us nervous as well. In wargaming strategies, we realize all cards are dealt first on the table before anyone leads a card.

I think he should send more troops. It is just a shame that we had not approached the problem of getting Osama Bin Laden in a more intelligent manner and avoided the costly quagmire that we are now in.

He's in a NO WIN situation now. If he gives him the 40000 that the General wanted 4 months ago, everyone will ask why it took so long to give them what they asked for. He could have done that a long time ago.

If he doesn't give him what he wants then there better be a reason after all this time and NOT "I'M the COMMANDER IN CHIEF" !!!

If he was a good politician, he would hgave promied the 40000 troops, had them ready and then called them off if they came to an agreement that they didn't need them. At least a bunch would have been getting ready.

I'm not even an experienced or an INEXPERIENCED Senator from IL and knew to do that. Boy Scouts teach you that!!!

Be prepared or get prepared!!!

Another failure for the Obama Administration. Will make it that much easier to dump him in 2012 when the Taliban retakes Afganistan.

I just have a quick question after reading many of these posts: How on earth is sending thousands of young Americans to Iraq and Afghanistan at the bidding of Gen. McChrystal "showing support for the troops?" Just wondering...

This decision needs to be made carefully. The general who is demanding more troops, is the general who lied about and glossed over the fact that Pat Tillman was killed by 'friendly fire' – there was never any enemy fire. His lies along with the Bush/Cheney lies disrespected the Tillman family, the country and the entire military. I have no trust or belief that this general has any clue what to do or how to do it and I wouldn't want him making a decision or recommendation regarding the life of my family member. The President needs to take is time and get all the information he needs before sending in any more troops.

It's not such a bad idea to send some Pentagonners over there. Some could be deployed, couldn't they? That might give the Pentagon pause the next time to be careful what they asked for. It would get some fresh blood in the Pentagon and send some serial, professional stuffed military shirts into the hot zone so they won't forget next time what it's really like.

I really think it's a "Win" all the way around! Let's do it!!

National Security Advisor Jim Jones was the source of the story. The White House came out and said anyone who makes the claim that they have made up their mind about how many troops to send to Afghanistan is uninformed.

Obama's national security adivsor is uninformed about national security matters.

Change you can believe in.

"dithering, dithering, dithering"

Did any of you right-wing-nut-jobs ever even hear the word "dithering" before the Dark One used it???? Parroting Idiots!

During his campaign (over a year ago now for those who have lost track of time), Pres Obama said Afghanistan was a war of necessity that we must win. Now, after nine months in office, he still does not know what his strategy there should be? This is unacceptable. His administration should have been determining how to handle Afghanistan even before he took office.

I think maybe the best thing about President Obama being elected is that we finally have brains back in the White House! I know it's a hard concept for all of you George Bush "cowboys" to grasp, but when you're responsible for sending thousands of America's finest to go to foreign soil to risk their lives for their country, taking time to make the right decision is actually a GOOD thing!

bring our troops home

Until we win the tribes over and work with each one with long term special forces who will commit to live and fight with them side by side for longer than a year at a time we don't stand a chance, None of those tribes trust or owe any loyalty to Kabul or their national government, in fact completely the opposite. The tribes are completely aware that the statement 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help you is a lie' just like we here in the US know it.

I would rather have a president make a Life or Death decision with his brain – not his "gut" .... Bush talked to his Father before invading Iraq ... not the former President – the one with experience – but his Heavenly Father .... no record of what God's response was ...

No matter what this President decides ... those who complain will continue to complain... too fast ... too slow ... too little ... too much .... yadda, yadda, yadda .... notice none of the critics actually want the job ... just the right to complain ....

CNN Hi,
precious American lives on the line, billions of dollars desperately needed at home for essential services. Heavy stakes indeed.The decision has to be based on foresight ,sagacity & lessons from history of that region.

Not an easy task for a President who is not one of those arrogant fools who landed us in these messy wars. May God grant Obama the wisdom to do the right thing – Amen.

What is the rush?? This fiasco has been going on with little thought about goals and objectives for 7 years. Bush/Cheney rapidly lost interest in Afghanistan when the next shiney thing (Iraq) came along. Even Gorbachev said this week that we would need more that 160,000 more troops. If that is even 100% more than needed, that is a commitment the American public won't stand for. Our military is worn out, the checkbook is way over draw- its time to leave!

"I do believe it is time for citizens to be clear about what we will and will not accept from the media"

We have been clear (unfortunately). We have virtually handed them the shovels with which to shovel it at us. We're not knee-deep in it because they thinks it's funny: we're knee deep in it because it makes them money.

Make and decision already. If it is wrong then just make another decision. No one respects indecision.

Someone in the Pentagon needs to be punished severely. I don't care if you are a high military official, you still need to follow protocol by going through the chain of command. Military officials might disagree with Obama's decisions but they aren't suppose to air it out publicly.

"He has not received final options for his consideration."
"He has not reviewed those options with his national security team, and he has not made any decisions about resources."

Looks like I'm on par with Obama. I haven't received options, reviewed options, or made any decisions either. Aren't we lucky, we have a president who's busy "not making decisions". And his critics said he was dithering!

How long does it take to get 'the facts"?

FACTS change everyday, by the time he sits down with his "National Security Team" the FACTS will have changed yet again. Oops, the FACTS have changed. Go back and think over some options and report back to me.

The only true fact is that the Taliban are the ones actually leading. We are doing nothing but reacting. React, react, react to yesterday's facts! Sounds like a nursery rhyme. What we need is LEADERSHIP which has been sorely lacking in the country for a real long time. Now you can blame this whole thing on the last guy but it's quite obvious Obama is not up to the task either. He's been office for 10 months now and the situation has done nothing but deteriorate. Resurgent Taliban, botched elections, ineffectual Ambassador, lost allies, the list goes on and on.

Here's to one term. Next please....

Took him a while to make a decision on that dog too. With his background he has not had a alot of experience making executive decisions so give him time.

Of course Obama is going to know whats best on the ground verses the pentagon.

He is seriously alienating all his voters one by one.

Bush ignored the troop increase request for 8 months. It sat on his desk, but he was too busy to do his job. Only one more reason why he is the worst president ever.

Our troops are dying obama, how about supporting them?

Making an intelligent decision is a good thing, but he asked for advice back in March, got it in late August/early September. He should have had a good idea as to what he was going to do before he got the report. Now make a decision and get on with it. You can't vote "Present" anymore. This President stuff sure is hard if you never ever made a decision before that directly affects people.

How can this President drag his feet for months knowing our military needs this help? While Obama ignores our military, they die fighting for our country.

GIVE OUR TROOPS WHAT THEY NEED OR BRING THEM HOME!

It is all in or all out. I don't envy the job of deciding. Both scenarios could go terribly wrong, but no solution would lie in the middle ground on this one. ALL IN, or ALL OUT.

I have two fish.

If I throw one in the shark tank, I end up with 1 dead fish and 1 live fish.

If I throw them both in the shark tank. I end up with 2 dead fish.

Get the picture?

McCrystal might have no problem wasting fish without clearly defined goals, mission objectives and strategies, but I do. This is why the Commander in Chief is a civilian.

Here is an idea, how about getting our brave trops out of this war for profit?
END the war of colonialism! Our Childrens lives are worth more than some Global Corportation's profits.

Come on, Obama. Either give the general what he asked for or bring our troops home. If you're not willing to do what it takes to win, then stop diddling around and letting our people die. What an incompetent nincompoop you're proving to be.

I'm confident that President Obama is considering all options, but I consider Afghanistan and Iraq lost opportunities. Bush and Cheney are really the people that "dithered". We've been there too long and too many have paid the ulitmate price. Bring our men and women home.

Ridgeway....

Sis the President order your buddy to pull guard duty? Isn't that his CO's duty? So is his CO anti-American? Or are you just using ANY chance to dis the President?
No need to answer, you're a liar and coward yourself and as un American as it gets.

President Obama needs to make a decision. Troops are dying because they're over there and they don't have enough support. Either President Obama has two viable option, either send a large amount of troops over to get the job done or take them all out. If he goes to the middle ground and sends some troops but not enough to get it done then we will have Vietnam all over again. Either way he was elected commander and chief and he needs to make a decision. His non-action is costing American troops their lives.

I think that taking your time to come up with the right strategy is the right thing to do. Remember this saying, "Accuracy comes before speed." Does that ring a bell with any of you. Changing a strategy after 8 years of it poorly run already, is going to take some time to change and get right. It is called critical thinking, something that, I believe, that the majority of Americans choose not to do; even though we all have the ability. Besides he has lives on his hands, and he knows that a human life is the most valuable thing on this earth. Why do you think he went to the airport to salute the fallen soldiers, and why do you think he is attending the Fort Hood Memorial today? He actually cares about getting things right, and he cares about the most valuable thing on earth, and that is a human life. Thank you President Obama for at least caring and trying your best to do what's not popular with either parties, but to do what is right for your constituiants.

I am so proud of my Prezdent, I want him to make the right decision. It doesn't matter to me that a few more of our servicemen got greased last week. Hey, we got plenty more to send in their place, right, and it might actually be safer there now? Heaven forbid that we follow up quickly in a timely manner to support the much negotiated Pakistani push into the Swat valley. I guess it is just a re-run of Tora Bora, round em up and let em out the back door! You can't kill the rats without a rat killer!

Gen. Stanley McChrystal has been trying to pressure the White House by going public on things that should not be made public in the first place. I find it rather sneaky of him. No doubt he is also behind the "leak" that Obama is seriously considering troop increase... and is trying to make it appear as if it is a done deal by putting it in the press. That places more pressure on Obama... and I'm not too sure that is a good idea. Obama does not like to be trapped or pushed into doing things. Not one little bit. It also shows a lack of respect towards Obama... it's sneaky dealing and I'm not too McChrystal should be trusted.

The Obama administration is proving what we have always known.... the Democratic Party is anti-military, always has been, always will be. They are real good at telling everyone else how to live their lives, but when it comes to defending our lives, they suddenly get weak, and unable to make a decision. 2012 can't come soon enough. And to all the crybaby liberals posting about how "smart" and "thoughtfull" Obama is.... why is it he can rush his socialist agenda decisions ... but life and death decisions for our troops is DELAYED? Obama is not qualified for the job...

I just wish Bush/Cheney had made a decision during the past eight years, we wouldn't have to blame democrats if WE had actually done something in those EIGHT YEARS of absolute WASTED time prior to Obama.

But, go ahead and blame the new guy all you want, you pathetic lazy and ignorant morons!

The BUSH WARS are a mistake. The United States can not force a sovereign nation into FREEDOM or Democracy!

President Obama was indeed pressured by the warmongers!

I am grateful that President Obama DISCERNED carefully before sending our Sons & Daughters to die!

AFGHANISTAN IS ANOTHER VIETNAM.

They should have different decisions - if that is what it takes to sort things out, without rash judgments. If that makes tempers flare, so be it. It is nice to see they are thinking without reacting. That has got to be a miserable decision, any way they choose.

Here's another braintrust idea (I would say 'low-brow' idea but that'd throw a lot of you into a tailspin!) all of you so ready for the Prez to send in troops: SIGN UP and GO!! Go reconaissance. The military doesn't care what Party you belong to they'll take you! Go check it out for yourselves, and e-mail the rest of us what the situation is really like over there. Who knows, you could be CNN's on-site mavericky reporter. Go put your 'patriotic', get 'er done stuff out there, until then your two cents is worth exactly that.

I should have added that Bush & Cheney created this mess out of something that was right but by taking off on a Quixotic charge for some apparent reason to Iraq he failed to finish the job. Obama was left with a festering mess. I have zero interest in nation building that only creates hatred. Get it over and get home.

Gen. McChrystal should have asked Obama for 50,000 so he could get the 40,000 he needs. You had to figure Obama would try to placate the ultralib surrenderists by not giving the man everything he asked for.

Pres. Obama should take as much time as he needs to make his decision. What happened in Ft. Hood is exactly why he should take time to do what is appropriate. You are not playing with GI Joe action figures...these are real human beings with real feelings. He has to make the decision to expose these people to dangerous situations, experiences, & possibly death. It is a decision that should not be taken lightly or made hastily.

Oh -my-God, do I have to actually MAKE a decision? Isn't there time for just one more poll?? I took the credit for having the SEALS shoot the snipers (so I would look tough on terrorism) but that was after the fact and it was clear that the polls said Americans thought that was a good thing. Actually, it was a good thing Hillary was around, because I did not even know we had a capability like the SEALS. Maybe I need to call her and get some advice on this troop decision.

Simple choice, either send the maximum number of troops possible immediately to end the thing quick or bring them all home immediately. Either one works for me but no where in between.

Let's hope this President is never favced witha massive launch of ICBMs at this country. While he is 'collecting inputs and information' all of our major cities will be gone. Why is health care so urgent, and a war in which more troops are dying daily needs 'careful consideration'? He rushes things that should be done slowly, and waffles where urgent action is required.

As our president ponders and dawdles his way through each day our service men and women of not only this country but are allies are dying. They are being killed by religous zealot extremists. The solution is either fully support them and call it a war or pull the troops out.

Why should Obama listen to generals and commanders in the field. LBJ ran the Vietnam war from the White House and look how well that turned out.

Obama needs to listen to life long, professional politicians like Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi.

What do generals and military commanders know about winning a war?

Just like WMDs, Iraq had ties to Al Qaeda, Iraq is an imminent threat to the US; US soldiers will be treated as Liberators; Iraqis will be dancing in the street, Mission Accomplished. Denying is one thing . . . lying is something else!

The Pentagon is filled with people only looking to make a fortune from maintaining the war machine and the States like Texas,whos whole economy run on blood and guts.

I've got an idea. Let's send OBUMMER and BIDEN to Afganistan.

They can give continuous speeches like they do here. It's sure to send the enemy running.

It's probably true that Obama hasn't made a decision yet. He is still waiting for Rev Wright to tell him what to do.

Democrats fighting with the Pentagon. HA! Whats new and different. Obama had all these very vocal opinions about the Afghanistan as a Senator and now he can't make a decision as President. Great at lobbing verbal banter as a Senator but poor as POTUS.

I believe the WH when they say a decision has not been make.

After all, when has obummer made one on anything????

We can rush through 1900 pages of healthcare legislation, not even read it or understand it, and try to pass something that affects 19% of our economy but to make a decision that protects our military in 3 months...and you argue that he's intelligent and needs to have the facts first?????

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bet you think he's the best president ever too!\

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama= Book smart................with NO common sense. No thanks, someone with some business experience would be turning the economy around instead of pandering to the Unions and throwing our money away on more and more entitlement programs we cannot afford. Obama has NO military experience and his voting record has shown he never supports our troops. How can anyone really expect anything out of Obama, the community organizer turned junior senator voted present instead of having an opinion, not a great trait for a leader. His resume shows he has ZERO experience to be president.

To those who wonder why the wait: Go ahead, send 40,000 new troops to Afghanistan.
What are they going to do? What is Victory?

There is a significant political segment in this country that thinks all they need to do is bluster and bully and to hell with objectives. For them the objective is merely to appear strong.

Putting dog fights on ESPN will keep them quiet while the grownups decide what to do and how to do it.

As for the recommendations of Generals? They are required but may not trump all considerations. A surgeon will recommend surgery, a chiropractor will recommend adjustment and a General will recommend combat. These are applied strategies in search of a goal. First the goal, then the method then the resources. Some may be impatient for action, but I don't want them to decide policy goals.

This man does not have the stomach to be Commander in Cheif. Get the troops there to help the ones already on the ground. I'm sure you'll find a way to opoligize for American interference and find someone else to blame for it later. You Democrats are great at that. For now, you are causing deaths with your delaying tactics

It just amuses the heck out of me that people on the right accuse the President of "waffling" or being indecisive, or putting our troops in danger because of his supposed lack of ability making a decision.

Amusing, but very very sad- these SAME people sat and watched while Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, et al TOTALLY IGNORED Afghanistan for 8 years, failing to increase troop numbers, failing to provide the support that Commanders on the Ground said was needed, having to practically BEG for attention and some re-focusing as far as the mission and tactics. The result? Many more troop deaths and woundings. All while the Bush administration sat on their collective thumbs.

Well... I stand corrected... they DID make a decision on Afghanistan... to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, and to allow the Taliban to regroup, to allow bin laden to roam free and do what the heck he wanted to do. GREAT JOB, PEOPLE!!

And now they have the stones to criticize and offer advice... you make me sick!!!

Here we go again. The media deciding what the President may or may not be planning. Oh how hard they try to be the network with the scoop.

Media has been doing this for a long time without any outcry from the public. Even when people's lives are at stake or their lives could be ruined the networks and media outlets think they must get the scoop. This story effects so many people that one would think the media would wait to hear the story from the president. Of course, when the story turns out to be false or leading in another direction, the media forgets to apologize.

I do believe it is time for citizens to be clear about what we will and will not accept from the media. We cannot allow them to continually upset people, tell half truths or expand upon hearsay.

I say his mind is made up and preparations are underway. Just because he has not anounced his decision does not mean the Military is in the dark.

Doesn't it make more sense to activate and prepard to deploy troops rather than make a public announcement of our intentions thus giving the enemy time to react? Think about it......

Mr. President,

Please take your time and get all the information. What we need is the RIGHT decision, not a fast emotional one.

This is too serious an issue for cowboy attitudes.

Much like Viet Nam, the politicians in the White House and congress think they can run a war better than the military brass. I fear we are headed down the same path, with soldiers being killed so ploiticians can "try" to be generals. Althouh I am a proud veteran, I would nor recomend ANYONE joining, when an anti-military administration like Oboma is in office,

Deny, Deny And Deny some more!! That must be in the Democratic handbook, Deny until the proof is so deep you can no longer get away with it...........just ask Bill Clinton and John Edwards!!

He better make a decison, one way or the other, quickly. His indecision is energizing the Taliban. Incompetence.

Here's a fact. I have a friend who's 65, retired from the military but went back in as a security computer officer. Guess what? He's now pulling patrol duty in Afghanistan. He's not afraid but the point is he's 65 and should not be in the field but the short handed situation makes it necessary.
I'll guaranty you the President couldn't do it nor would he. When are you Obama fans going to see this guy and his thugs for what they are. Anti American.

Sad day when the Ego in Chief can't make up his mind when it comes to Americian Troops.

President Obama told the troops he would NOT send them into harms way unless necessary. Yet some on the far right seem to have no problem with him sending 40,000 more men and women over there on a whim and not take his time to decide if this is the right course. These arfe the same folks always crying about SUPPORT OUR TROOPS but support also means not having them in the line of fire if another means can be done. If he does this and the death troll rises like it did under Bush the far right will turn their backs on him like they've done since he's been in office. THAT you can bet on.

Send everyone in the Pentagon to Afghanistan so that they can all report firsthand or just shut up!!!

I am glad he did not rush his decision at first, but at this point in time he really needs to reconsider his priorities. This is a very important decision and he needs to devote a lot more time to it.

I can’t imagine this is good politics. There are a lot of independent voters that see him doing a lot of campaigning as this has been put on the back burner. I know he is worried about loosing a lot of the left's votes, but I would imagine he is loosing a lot more of the independents by simple ignoring the war.

Regardless, he needs to put aside politics and spend more time on this issue.

He's been too busy campaigning to make a decision.

Unfortunately, we are all aware of how the media constantly tries to make the news instead of report the true facts.

There is no change folks. The warmongering continues. When will all wake up to the two party scam?

Why is everyone so hung up on the number? Should our real concern be the MISSION & STRATEGY moving forward?

Once that is communicated out, let the DISCUSSION begin...but for now, I appreciate the President reviewing and reviewing again all the FACTS.

AMERICAN LIVES are at stake here...AMERICAN $$$$$ are at stake here and can be used other places....BEING SOLVENT & RESPECTED is in our RESELLIENCE & STATURE

WHAT else is SO IMPORTANT......

Here goes the MSM jumping to conclusions. I think the president will mae his decision after Veterans Day.

He has only had 10 months to develop a plan, why rush him? It is only the lives of our troops hanging in the balance.

But he was very emphatic that Chicago deserved the Olympics, and that he needed to fly overseas to personally fight for it.

Obama is right we should wait for the Commander in Chief to take charge and make a statement. Oh wait – that's Obama.

Of course its false, Odumbo is trying to get his health care reform bill to pass and doesn't give a rats ass what the general wants. This guy is becoming a dirt bag really quick.

The rumor was half the troops the Generals are requesting. You would hope Obama wouldn't set them up for failure like that.
He should either keep his campaign promise and do what needs to be done, or communicate that circumstances have changed and he's getting us out of there.

You would think after months and months of dithering, this administration should have a plan by now. Obama knew about this war when he promised us the world and he was briefed heavily by the previous administration..........there is NO excuse for his dithering. Guess he was too busy campaigning for those Democrats that lost and shoving a really bad health care bill down our throats to worry about our soldiers that are dying because he can't make a decision.

Please 'free press' of the USA.... we know that this is a big story, but please let the president and colleagues actually make a decision to be reported to the public, then go ahead with the armchair-general punditry. So much of the "news" that we get is the speculation stuff with reporters trying to compete against each other and get ahead of the story and also between competing news outlets. This type of "news" that later turns out to be incomplete, innaccurate or even false is starting to completely saturate the news coverage and tends to dominate conversations and news cycles for days and weeks sometimes. It is not productive or educational and the public is not being served well.

They tell men who get around the block too much to 'keep it in their pants'. What would be the appropriate expression to tell the news media outlets a similar lesson?

40,000 more troops this year. 50,000 next year. 75,000 the year after....

Victory is just around the corner folks. The generals say so.

"He has not received final options for his consideration, he has not reviewed those options with his national security team,
------------------------------

So this is the way that the President reaches a decision. No Ouija board, no seances, no single consultation with a deity, and no obscure hunches and visions.

As hard as the right-wing has pressed to make him come to a premature decision, the majority of the voters, and military personnel poised for deployment appreciate the deliberation process, and the input from the national security team. The lives of those that are sent off to war on behalf of our country deserves NO less.

I believe it is about time that President Obama cleans a little house at the Pentagon. This kind of behavior is despicable.

I am proud our president is taking his time, carefully considering all actions that involve taking the lives of our American fighting men and women.
He sincerely wants to the path that will be best for all.

Hey, media, this is NOT Bush you're dealing with here! Thank goodness. This is Obama, a very intelligent individual who is going to get the facts before making a decision. Remember? Intelligence in the White House after 8 years of stupidity? This isn't a war-mongering administration who invades countries we're not at war with. This is an administration who is having to fight the wars that Bush started by invading countries we weren't at war with.

Obama is going to get the facts first, decide second - you know, like a responsible president would.