U.S. Troop Withdrawals And Troop Surges

Romanian, Iraqi and U.S. soldiers collaborate during a joint patrol outside of Combat Operations Base Adder, Iraq, on Dec. 30, 2008. The U.S. soldiers are with the 443rd Military Transition Team and the Combat Observation Lazing Team from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. The Iraqi soldiers are from the 10th Iraqi Army Division and the Romanian soldiers are from the 341st Battalion (White Sharks). DoD photo by U.S. Army. (Released)

Sources: Iraq, Afghanistan Withdrawals Delayed -- CNN News

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Decisions about withdrawing troops from Iraq and sending more troops to Afghanistan have been delayed until the Pentagon provides President Barack Obama with more detail about the risks and implications of the issues confronting him, according to two senior Pentagon officials.

Both officials, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, have a direct understanding of the discussion regarding troop withdrawals. They said the military is not concerned about the delays, but that there is concern about the deteriorating levels of security in Afghanistan.

The officials confirmed that the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command are now working on three Iraq combat troop withdrawal options for the president: 16 months, 19 months and 23 months.

The first option is consistent with Obama's campaign promise. But in recent discussions with senior military leaders and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, it became clear the president wanted to see other options and have a full discussion of the risks involved with each of them, the officials said.

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More News On Troop Withdrawals And Troop Surges

Iraq combat could outlast Obama's term -- Politico
White House looking at Iraq withdrawal options -- AFP
U.S. commanders favour slower Iraq pullout -- Reuters
Obama should listen to the architects of the surge -- Spectator U.K.
Obama puts brake on Afghan surge -- Times Online
David Miliband: Nato troops stuck in an Afghanistan 'stalemate' -- Times Online
Obama May Postpone Afghan Surge; Severe Problems in Supply Routes Afflict Aghanistan War Effort -- Indybay
Obama's surge and the Afghan heroin trade -- UPI Asia