Gates Rethinks Counterinsurgency Strategy

October 01 2009

Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is said to be rethinking U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Gates has long argued against deploying too many troops, but has been open to an increase. Now Gates is said to be skeptical that counterinsurgency can succeed.

The U.S. military commander in Kabul, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, has requested up to 40,000 additional combat troops for Afghanistan. His strategy focuses on protecting civilians.

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