Obama to sign US defense bill, but "never rush" Afghan troops decision

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US President Barack Obama says he will sign a defense authorization bill, this week. The measure will increase the country's defense budget. While delivering a speech at a Naval Air Station in Florida, Obama added that he would not rush his decision on whether to send more US troops to Afghanistan.

Obama said, "I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm's way. I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary. And, if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt. Because you deserve the strategy, the clear mission, the defined goals, as well as the equipment and support you need, to get the job done."

Map of Afghanistan locating NATO helicopter  crashes in Badghis and Helmand provinces.  US President Barack Obama vowed after his  latest Afghan war council that he would not  rush a decision on whether to send tens of  thousands more troops into the eight-year  conflict.(AFP/Graphic)