U.S. President Barack Obama is sending 30,000 extra troops to Afghanistan. The first troops already dispatched in early 2010. All new soldiers are in combat within six months. While Obama says that the withdrawal begins in 2011.

“The 30,000 extra troops that I have announced tonight, will be issued in the first part of 2010 – as soon as feasible – so they can attack the insurgents and secure the main populated areas,” said Obama, when presenting his new Afghanistan strategy.

McChrystal roses Head
U.S. commander in Afghanistan praises president’s move.

“The clarity, commitment and determination which was presented in the President’s speech are critical steps in bringing security to Afghanistan and to crush the hotbeds of terrorism which threaten regional and global security,” says General Stanley McChrystal.

Believes in more troops
President Obama is convinced that the U.S. troop increase in Afghanistan will encourage other American allies to send more troops to the country.

“The additional U.S. and international troops will allow us to accelerate the transfer of responsibility to Afghan troops and allow us to begin to move our troops out of Afghanistan in July 2011,” said Obama, who already Monday inaugurated the other NATO countries in their plan .

“It is not only NATO’s credibility is at stake – they are our allies, security is at stake and world security as a whole,” said Obama.

Taliban is not beaten
Barack Obama makes no secret that the military effort in Afghanistan has not succeeded in notching the Taliban.

“Afghanistan is not lost, but for several years, the situation in the country has worsened,” he says.

The president also stressed that Afghans themselves are responsible in their country.

“It will be clear to the Afghan government – and more importantly, the Afghan people – they ultimately are responsible for their own country,” said Obama, who also explains that it’s the end of handing blank checks to Afghans . Obama insisted on removing corrupt politicians and authority of persons.