Split Decision – Iraq and Afghanistan Move in Different Directions

Paul McLeary, WA

In all, about 16,000 U.S. troops will hit the ground in the first few months of 2010, but the addition of assets is not restricted to combat soldiers. More drones and manned reconnaissance aircraft are being rushed to the fight.


F-15E Strike Eagle from Bagram AB patrols over eastern Afghanistan. Credit: U.S. AIR FORCE

The focus of American operations in Iraq now revolves around training and mentoring Iraqi security forces, while the same holds in Afghanistan, with the obvious addition of continuing to fight Taliban and Al Qaeda forces.