McCain says additional troops may be needed in Afghanistan, waits for commanders’ assessment

McCain says US may need more troops in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain says it appears that the U.S. needs to send more troops to Afghanistan.

McCain says he will be guided in matters such as troop levels by the commanders on the ground. He adds that he has confidence in the judgment of the new commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

The Obama administration agreed this year to increase the number of troops by 21,000 but may not be inclined to send even more. Current forces include 62,000 U.S. troops and 39,000 allied troops, plus about 175,000 Afghan Army and police.

McCain plans to visit Afghanistan during the Senate’s August recess.

The Arizona Republican spoke to CNN’s “State of the Union” for its Sunday broadcast.