Obama May Need Republican Support on Afghanistan

As public support for U.S. efforts in Afghanistan erodes and military commanders indicate more troops will be needed, President Obama may have to look for backing from the most ironic of sources -- the Republican Party.

American casualties have risen sharply over the past few weeks, and 41 percent of the country wants to see troop levels decreased. Obama's approval ratings on his handling of Afghanistan have dropped eight percentage points since April. And congressional Democrats report serious opposition from their constituents at town-hall meetings over the past month, making them loath to support troop increases with no end for the war in sight.

Republicans, on the other hand, have either remained silent or have been moderately supportive of Obama's handling of the conflict. After conservative columnist George Will wrote this week that it is time for the U.S. to pull out, the Republican National Committee posted a statement titled "Stand Strong, Mr. President." Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), a moderate, said he would support a troop increase if necessary because Afghanistan "is where 9/11 was planned and executed." RNC Chairman Michael Steele said the president has not denounced "the voices of defeat" firmly enough.

For details: "G.O.P. Support May Be Vital to Obama in Afghan War" [New York Times]

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