WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderMixed reaction to Obama's Afghanistan war plan

Mixed reaction to Obama's Afghanistan war plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WREX) - President Obama's plan to send 34,000 more U.S. troops into Afghanistan is drawing mixed reaction.

Speaking to the nation and directly to some of the troops that will be sent back to war, President Obama detailed his war strategy for the months ahead.

"Most of all, I know that this decision asks even more of you," said President Obama speaking directly to cadets.

The President's War Commander General McChrystal issued a statement saying, "The President has provided me with a clear military mission and the resources to accomplish our task."

The war plan will need funding, something that will be discussed in hearings today. Reaction to his new war strategy is mixed.

Illinois Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) said, "We cannot let Afghanistan become a haven for terrorists again. I look forward to hearing more in detail from the Administration about this new strategy."

Funding isn't the only concern, setting a timetable for a troop pullout is also a big issue.

Obama says he also hopes to start pulling U.S. troops out of Afghanistan in July of 2011. "After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home," said Obama.

Illinois Senator Roland Burris says he supports Obama's goals for the region, but he has some concerns. "I have reservations about our ability to maintain a firm, timely, and condition-based exit strategy following a significant elevation in the number of American servicemen in the theater.  And I have further concerns about the accountability and transparency of the Afghan government to its people," said Burris.

"I'm most concerned about sending the wrong signal that we're leaving on an arbitrary date," said Arizona Senator John McCain.

"The next election is really the deadline. So, there's thirty-six months to show substantial change in the ground situation," said Retired U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey.

On Monday, Obama laid out his plan to leaders in Britain, France and Russia - all are being asked to help step up their efforts in the war.