McChrystal Backs Obama's Afghan Plan

In the face of questioning from lawmakers and pundits, General Stanley McChrystal is standing behind the president on his decision last week to send 30,000 new troops to Afghanistan. McChrystal testified that Obama's strategy is achievable and that troops can realistically start pulling out in July 2011, despite Republican concerns that the early deadline could lead to a strong Taliban insurgency. Obama's decision "recognizes that the next 18 months will likely be decisive, and ultimately, enables success," McChrystal said. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, who had previously expressed doubts about the plan, also expressed support for Obama's strategy.