U.S., Afghanistan: Challenges to a Troop Surge

U.S. President Barack Obama on Feb. 17 ordered the deployment of 17,000 additional troops to Afghanistan — short of the 30,000-32,000 requested by the chief commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Obama faces four main obstacles in completing a large troop surge — the strength of the Taliban in Afghanistan, instability in Pakistan, the situation in Iraq and ongoing negotiations between the United States and Russia. However, hesitation could cost Washington, as time is of the essence in the war in Afghanistan.