White House Officials: President Obama Is 'Rethinking' A U.S. Force Pullout From Afghanistan

Afghan National Army troops distribute aid to the civilians of Kunduz, Afghanistan October 14, 2015. The Taliban said they were pulling back in the northern city of Kunduz on Tuesday in order to protect civilians, but fighting continued elsewhere in the country with government troops battling to reopen the main highway south of the capital Kabul. Stringer/Reuters

New York Times: Obama Is Rethinking Pullout in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — With pressure building on the White House to slow or completely halt the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, senior officials said that President Obama appears increasingly willing to keep a force there large enough to carry on the hunt for Al Qaeda and Islamic State militants.

For President Obama, leaving more than a small force to protect the embassy in Kabul beyond next year would mean abandoning his goal to bring home almost all American troops before leaving office. But even though Mr. Obama has declared the American war in Afghanistan to be over, the Taliban’s recent advances have convinced the Pentagon, many in Congress and much of the national security establishment in Washington that it is critical for American troops to remain there.

Update #1: A Rethink on Afghanistan? -- Krishnadev Calamur, The Atlantic
Update #2: Is Obama rethinking his vow to bring troops home from Afghanistan? -- Kelsey Warner, CSM

WNU Editor: President Obama's officials are saying that he is "rethinking" pulling out US forces from Afghanistan. No one is being fooled .... this is the White House's way to lay the groundwork before they make the official announcement that U.S. troops will not leave Afghanistan. Expect that announcement before the end of the year (if not sooner).