President and War Cabinet Talk Alternatives in Afghanistan

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President and War Cabinet Talk Alternatives in Afghanistan

Story Created: Oct 14, 2009 at 7:53 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 14, 2009 at 7:53 PM CST

President Barack Obama's war cabinet gathered in the situation room for the fifth time -- hammering out a new strategy for the conflict in afghanistan hours before their meeting, britain pledged to send more of its forces into the fight.

President Obama's top advisers gathered in the White House situation room for their latest strategy session on the war in Afghanistan.

They're looking at new ways to go after al-Qaeda and to keep the Taliban from providing that group with a safe haven.

The top U.S. general in Afghanistan reportedly wants 40,000 more troops to carry out that mission.  A former army Vice Chief of Staff supports that request, and a new strategy.

When asked if it was his opinion that strategy strictly focused on hunting or capturing al-Qaeda leaders isn't going to work over there,  Ret. Gen. Jack Keane, former Army Vice Chief of Staff, said,  "It's important to do it, but it will not change the fundamental nature of that organization."

The President said he'll make his decision on troop levels in Afghanistan in the coming weeks.  So far, he's met with his war cabinet five times.  Some critics charge: "He's taking too long."

But General Keane said the real focus should be on results.

Keane said, "In my judgement, if the President through this process comes up wit the right answer, people will quickly forget about the process."

Just hours before Wednesday's meeting at the White House, one of America's closest allies pledged to send more forces into the fight. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he will deploy another 500 troops.

If President Obama decides to send in more U.S. forces, he'll face a tough fight.  He needs to convince his fellow Democrats in Congress -- and the American people -- that he's got a strategy that can turn things around in Afghanistan.

Courtesy of Joel Brown CBS News

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