ANALYSIS-US troop build-up in Afghanistan may be gaining favor

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ANALYSIS-US troop build-up in Afghanistan may be gaining favor
Tue Oct 6, 2009 6:08pm EDT
* Gates' remarks suggest he is likely to favor more troops

* Counterinsurgency plus counterterrorism approach likely

* Opinion divided about whether it will work

By Adam Entous and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The Obama administration is strongly considering a war strategy that incorporates at least some additional forces in Afghanistan alongside a stepped up campaign against al Qaeda and Taliban targets in Pakistan.

The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Robert Gates, a key player, is undecided about next steps.

But he has publicly said many of his earlier reservations about adding forces have been addressed and remains a strong proponent of counter-insurgency strategy, signals that he may be leaning toward a further buildup.

Combining an expanded counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan with more counterterrorism operations inside Pakistan's tribal areas would be consistent with the administration's existing strategy, launched in March.

Stephen Cohen, an expert at the Brookings Institution think tank, said it was "inconceivable" that Obama would abandon a counterinsurgency strategy so soon after launching it.

"This is an experimental science," he said. "We won't know if it will work until we try it."

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http://www.reuters.com/article/joeBiden/idUSN06444277

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