According to recent reports, the Pakistan Army and NATO forces are making headway on both sides of the border against the Taliban. Areas near the Afghan border in Pakistan such as Mohmand and Bajaur Agency as well as South Waziristan are reporting Taliban fatalities and surrenders. Meanwhile, in the Afghanistan province of Zabul, NATO forces and Afghan troops killed 17 Taliban and captured 1 injured fighter in a fierce battle.
All of these reports come at a time when Obama is considering options to deploy 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. This figure is less than that of 40,000 troops as recommended by Gen Stanley McChrystal, the commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Obama is expected to announce his decision within a few weeks possibly after the inauguration of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The re-election is controversial as Karzai was handed a second term after the election run-off was cancelled.
sources: www.dailytimes.com.pk
www.reuters.com
www.gulfnews.com
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