Afghan troop surge 'must wait'

2008-07-24 07:33

Washington - The Pentagon is unable to send additional combat brigades to Afghanistan this year because of constraints imposed by the war in Iraq, leaving the decision to the next president, a spokesperson said.

US commanders in Afghanistan have requested three more combat brigades, or about 10 000 troops, to deal with growing insurgent violence in the eastern and southern parts of the country.

But Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary, said Iraq remains the top priority for the Bush administration, which limits the forces available for duty in Afghanistan over the short term.

"It looks as though this government is going to work to provide additional forces for Afghanistan next year," Morrell said.

"How many, whether it is the three additional brigades that the commanders want I think is a question for the next administration."

Morrell spoke just hours before President George W Bush was to meet with the Defence Secretary Robert Gates and the military chiefs at the Pentagon in a secure conference room.

They were expected to review the progress the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other emerging security issues, he said.

Morrell said efforts were under way to figure out what forces or military assets could be sent to Afghanistan in the short term.

- AFP