Obama admitted that the decision on Afghanistan was given to him is not easy

U.S. President Barack Obama admitted that the decision on a new strategy in Afghanistan has been given to him easily.

Speaking at the Military Academy at West Point address to the nation, Obama announced his intention to send to Afghanistan in the next six months an additional 30 thousand U.S. troops. As a result, the number of American troops will be 98 thousand people.

“I do not give this decision easily. I was against the war in Iraq precisely because they think we should restrain the use of military force, and always think about the far-reaching consequences of our actions. We are at war for eight years an incredible price in lives and resources” , – said the U.S. president.

Obama acknowledged that he understood how difficult it is for the country, exhausted by endless arguments about Iraq and terrorism, face a severe economic crisis, to lead a long and bloody war. He recalled that he personally signed a letter of condolence to the families of Americans killed in Afghanistan.

“If I did not think that the security of the United States and the American people depend on the situation in Afghanistan, I would gladly have ordered all our military back home tomorrow,” – said Obama.
“So there is – I do not take this decision lightly. I accept it because I am convinced that our security depends on Afghanistan and Pakistan. These countries – the epicenter of violent extremism of al-Qaeda”, – said the U.S. leader.