Rejecting criticisms of dithering, Obama says he owed troops thorough Afghan strategy review
By APTuesday, December 1, 2009
Obama says Afghan review caused no delays
WEST POINT, N.Y. — President Barack Obama says his three-month review of Afghan war strategy has not delayed the deployment of additional U.S. forces.
Rejecting criticism that his review has taken too long, Obama told cadets at the U.S. Military Academy on Tuesday that he “insisted on a thorough review” because he owes them “a mission that is clearly defined and worthy” of their service.
He also said none of the options military commanders offered called for troop deployments before 2010. And he said there has been no delay is dispatching needed resources.
Obama asserted that review has allowed him to “ask the hard questions, and to explore all of the different options” with his national security team, military and civilian leaders in Afghanistan.
