Top Troop Request Exceeds 60,000

Could the potential troop surge in Afghanistan be bigger than reported? Reports have focused on a figure of 40,000 additional troops, but according to The Wall Street Journal, Gen. Stanley McChrystal has given President Obama three different options, with the largest requesting more than 60,000 new troops. ABC News adds that the number is “well more than 60,000, but under 100,000.” The third option keeps forces near their year-end levels of 68,000 total troops. The Journal says that 40,000 additional troops remains the top choice of McChrystal and other military brass.