Nearing a Decision?

" Well breaking news now in the war in Afghanistan and reports that President Obama will send more than 30000. Additional troops to that troubled country. That is of course less than the 40000. That general -- the crystal had requested. Here is what President Obama had to say about this just a few weeks ago during a visit to the Florida naval air station."

" It's very important as we consider our next steps in Afghanistan. I will never watch. -- of the -- Offending you in the harm's way. I won't -- you're -- the left that is absolutely nothing there."

" Well joining us now by phone is -- Powell who is on the ground in Kabul Afghanistan. -- what's the latest from there. What."

" Again despite the reports on National Security Adviser -- is. Shut down the idea that there is a final decision he. They -- announcement that the decision is still pending in talking -- senior military officials here in cobble. They echoed that idea that -- there's still an ongoing debate is due how many troops will actually be good to have you understand what they're candidates stressed here he -- it. Military official in -- Gentlemen -- a crystal report was gonna factor in this situation Internet yes yes. It was any specific request your church. -- that assessment there was he laid out our concepts and ideas for how many troops could be used to accomplish different goals. That there was any specific requests for just 40000 more troops. But he laid out several options for the president at a national security. -- and that they're still waiting to find out which option they actually do you -- talking to military officials they think they will get. Somewhere in the ballpark of around 30000 troops whether or not it's -- 40000 they don't know. It's still very much up in the air but they're they're confident there will get troops to. To move -- strategy or which focuses on. Protect the Afghan civilians moving in the population centers and aggravating that Taliban from attacking Afghan civilians trying to. Stabilize -- Afghan government so that more international civilian and development eighteen -- and rebuild this country and hopefully divide -- how -- always farm. The Afghan population that is -- why he's a five year goal here in Afghanistan but it starts with more troops and senior military officials say as of right now no particular. Currently being made they expect one here the next few weeks --"

" All right Conor Powell live in Kabul Afghanistan thank you. It's important as."