Obama announces new strategy in Afghanistan

After a 3-month strategy review, US President Barack Obama has finally announced that 30,000 more US troops will be deployed to Afghanistan by next summer. He formally unveiled his administration's new strategy in Afghanistan in a prime time nationally-televised speech on Tuesday at the US Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Reinforcing US troops in Afghanistan seemed certain. But the big question was to what extent and how soon. Obama gave a firm answer.

Barack Obama said, "As commander in chief, I have determined that it's in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan."

The troop surge is based on a conviction that the security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating. The Taliban has established safe havens in areas bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan. The lack of troops is slowing efforts to train Afghan security forces to defend their country and people on their own.

The new plan means major US troop movements are likely to begin in January. All 30,000 troops should be in place by the end of August. The vanguard is expected to see a swift deployment of 9,000 Marines into some of the most dangerous areas. This means Taliban strongholds in southern Afghanistan, including Kandahar and Helmand.

Obama is also calling on all US allies to offer their firm support to the mission in Afghanistan.

Barack Obama said, "Because it's international efforts the US commitment be joined by allies.."

The new strategy also includes an accelerated withdrawal timetable. Some US soldiers will start heading back home as early as July 2011. But Obama says any pullout will be done responsibly.