Tags:
Journalism of Courage
MARK LANDLER amp; HELENE COOPER
As the Obama administration nears a crucial decision on how rapidly to withdraw combat forces from Afghanistan,high-ranking officials said that al-Qaedas original network in the region has been crippled,providing a rationale for an accelerated reduction of troops.
Their confidence,these officials said,was buttressed by information found in Osamas compound in Pakistan. They said the trove revealed disarray within al-Qaedas leadership,with a frustrated Osama indicating he could no longer direct terrorist attacks by lieutenants who feared for their lives.
The US success in the counterterrorism campaign would seem to bolster arguments for a swift withdrawal from Afghanistan an issue the administration is currently examining. The officials emphasised Obama had not yet decided about that issue.
Fighting al-Qaeda,they noted,was the main reason Obama agreed to deploy 30,000 more troops last year,even as he adopted a broader,more troop-intensive and time-consuming strategy of making key towns in Afghanistan safe from the Taliban.
The officials analysis of the counterterrorism operations clearly reflected conclusions presented to the president as the deliberations over force levels reach their final stage. The conclusions would seem to give Obama room to justify a more accelerated withdrawal than the plan sought by the Pentagon.
The White House appears to be moving swiftly to conclude the internal debate,with officials saying that the president may announce a decision as early as next week.
