Afghanistan "Surge" and Reactions, sort of

President Obama has finally announced the plans to expand the force in Afghanistan, and will make an announcement shortly on how much of what is expected to go.

War-weary Americans will support more fighting in Afghanistan once they understand the perils of losing, President Barack Obama declared Tuesday, announcing he was ready to spell out war plans virtually sure to include tens of thousands more U.S. troops.
He is expected to make his case to the nation in a Tuesday night speech, even as the military completes plans to begin sending in reinforcements in the spring.
Eight years after the Sept. 11 attacks led the U.S. into Afghanistan, Obama said it is still in America's vital national interest to 'dismantle and destroy' al-Qaida terrorists and extremist allies. 'I intend to finish the job,' he said.
Obama said he would announce after Thanksgiving his decision on additional troops, and military, congressional and other sources said the occasion would be a Tuesday night televised speech laying out his plans for expanding the Afghan conflict — and then ultimately ending America's military role.

The issue of public opinion seems to weighing on his mind, as polls show the US public divided on support

A new poll Tuesday found Americans deeply divided about deploying more US troops to Afghanistan, just days before President Barack Obama was to announce his decision on sending reinforcements.
The CNN survey, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, found 50 percent of Americans would favor sending tens of thousands more troops while 49 percent would oppose it.
Asked generally about their view about the war in Afghanistan, 45 percent said they are in favor, while 52 percent oppose it.

And nevertheless, the President seems to think he can overcome that lack of support

President Barack Obama expects Americans to support sending tens of thousands more U.S. troops to Afghanistan once they understand the perils of losing, and he is preparing to make his case to the nation next week.
Eight years after the Sept. 11 attacks led the U.S. into Afghanistan, Obama said it is still in America's vital national interest to 'dismantle and destroy' al-Qaida terrorists and extremist allies. 'I intend to finish the job,' he said.
Military officials expect an infusion of approximately 32,000 to 35,000 troops to begin in February or March, the largest expansion since the beginning of the war and one that could bring the cost above $75 billion annually.

By: Brant