Jones: Afghan Troop Level Is 'Robust'

Says situation 'much more complex than just about 'X' more troops'
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 4, 2009 10:38 AM CDT
Jones: Afghan Troop Level Is 'Robust'
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, and Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., were to appear on Fox News Sunday.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

As debate about Afghan policy rages, President Obama's national security adviser took to the airwaves today, telling CNN that the US troop presence there is "robust" and emphasizing that the situation hinged on more than sheer numbers. Although Afghanistan's disputed election was destined to be "imperfect," Gen. Jim Jones said, it's important "that the Afghan people recognize Karzai as their legitimate president." Elsewhere:


  • Former CENTCOM chief Anthony Zinni thinks the White House is "dithering" on Stanley McChrystal's troop request, telling Face the Nation, “We’ve had a strategy since March. I don’t understand why we’re questioning his judgment at this point."
  • UN Ambassador Susan Rice says Iran had better prove its nukes are for peaceful purposes. "If it doesn't, time is short," she said on Meet the Press.
  • On Fox News Sunday, a bipartisan group of senators took aim at Tehran, calling for tough sanctions—and military action if needed. "Let’s have Iran weakened,” said Lindsey Graham.
  • There's no need for a new stimulus, former Fed chair Alan Greenspan said on  ABC's This Week. Despite high unemployment numbers, "This is what a recovery looks like," and "only 40 percent of the first stimulus has been in place."
(More James Jones stories.)

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