Barack Obama has pledged to send 17,000 additional troops to Afghanistan as part of plans to reinforce security in Afghanistan and reassess military operations in the country, marking one of the president's first major military decisions since taking office. The White House will embark on a more thorough review of operations in Afghanistan by April this year, and it is expected that Obama will press allies for military assistance.
Military officials have requested an increase in forces to combat an escalation in violent Taliban activity. The White House hopes the deployment will "stabilise a deteriorating situation" according to a statement made by the president on Tuesday, and in effect will mean troop numbers, already at 36,000 will be bolstered by nearly 50 percent, putting more troops on the ground in time for Afghanistan's national elections in August. According to the statement, the Bush administration had neglected Afghanistan through its focus on Iraq and as a result Afghanistan had not received the "strategic attention... or resources" needed. It said moving troops out of Iraq would give forces a boost and increase military flexibility.
The deployment will comprise 8,000 marines who will arrive in late spring, a 4,000 strong army brigade from Washington arriving in the summer, later followed by 5,000 support staff. Yet at a time when relations between the US and Afghanistan are increasingly fraught, it's uncertain whether an increased military presence can lead to improved stability.
The toD verdict: Some experts claim the planned deployment is merely following up on promises made by the Bush administration rather than deploying additional forces - approximately 30,000 extra troops were requested by US commanders, and despite numerous pledges only 6,000 were deployed by former president Bush last spring. However, antiwar groups have strongly condemned the move as risking escalation and increased violence.
After increased militant aggression in rural areas over the past three years, some parts of the country are now controlled by militants. Some analysts fear that war in Afghanistan now presents a greater danger than that posed previously by the war in Iraq due to Afghanistan's proximity to Pakistan and the possibility of links with Taliban and al-Qaeda factions.
The decision to deploy additional troops comes amid a recent UN report stating that the death toll in Afghanistan increased by nearly 40 percent each year successively since the war commenced in 2001, reaching the highest figure yet in 2008 with 2,118 civilians killed. Reportedly 39 percent of civilian deaths last year were attributable to government or US-led forces, and 55 percent to opposition forces. These figures have been disputed by foreign forces in Afghanistan.
President Obama has said the problem of extremism must be addressed multilaterally, and cannot be solved via military operations alone. "Diplomacy" and "development" he said must be given due attention in addressing the issue at hand.
Release of Guantanamo detainees prevented
Seventeen Chinese Uighur Guantanamo Bay detainees have been prevented from entering US soil by a US federal appeals court. A US court ruling last year which ordered the release of the men was overturned today by the US federal appeals court due to insufficient legal authority in the initial court ruling. The men have been held since 2001, and although they were cleared of allegations two years ago, they have remained in US custody. China has requested their return but there are fears the men will be tortured if they are taken by China since they are wanted for separatist activities. Earlier this year, China urged other nations not to offer the men sanctuary. Such incidents further complicates plans to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility within a year.
India to aid Sri Lanka evacuation
India has offered to assist in the evacuation of 70,000 Sri Lankans trapped by the ongoing conflict between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels. Food and medicine shortages and lack of clean water pose serious dangers to civilians in the conflict zones. Pranab Mukherjee, India's foreign minister said the conflict is a "source of great concern". He also urged the rebels to cease fighting. Mukherjee said the Indian government would be working alongside the Red Cross and the Sri Lankan government to provide aid and improve conditions for civilians. Sri Lanka has welcomed the help provided it is on the agreed terms. The Sri Lankan government continues to reject calls for a ceasefire with the Tamil Tigers.
Israeli rockets strike Gaza tunnels
Israeli strikes in southern Gaza early this morning are said to have targeted smuggling tunnels between Egypt and Gaza as well as a Hamas security station. The attacks were allegedly a response to a Palestinian mortar fired at Israel that caused no reported casualties. The air strikes were the most recent of several attacks which have taken place intermittently since Israel's 22 day onslaught on Gaza.
Rebels bombed by government after confidence building talks
Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebels were bombed by Sudanese government forces the day after Doha talks between the government and opposition representatives looked to be making progress. Jibril Ibrahim, spokesman for the rebel delegation claimed government planes dropped bombs near the Jebel Marra mountain range the day after the talks, which were held in Qatar. The talks, designed to reach a peace deal, had led to a "goodwill agreement" between the two groups. At least five people were killed in the attacks.
Peace march through Swat Valley
Muslim leader Maulana Sufi Mohammed has led a peace march in Pakistan's Swat Valley in return for the recent concessions of the Pakistani government that have allowed the employing of Sharia law in parts of the valley. Hundreds of people took part in the march which marked the beginning of a ten day ceasefire between Taliban and government forces. The crowd marched through Swat's central town Mingora to meet Taliban leaders. Maulana Sufi Mohammed has led a local army against US-led forces in the past, but the objective of the peace march was allegedly to convince Taliban leaders to put an end to the fighting in order to reach a sustained peace.
