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Obama Salutes Fallen Afghanistan Soldiers, Mulls Strategies

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Oct 29, 2009 2:20PM

With his handling of the War in Afghanistan coming under scrutiny, President Obama made a surprise trip this morning to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to meet the caskets of the 18 soldiers killed in action over the last week; October 2009 has been the deadliest month for U.S. troops thus far in the eight-year war; as of Tuesday, the death toll was 55. Upon arrival, around 3 a.m., Obama met with the families of the soldiers in the base's chapel and then observed the transfer of caskets. Reporters and photographers were given permission to view the transfer of the casket of Sgt. Dale Griffin (of Terre Haute, Indiana) by Griffin's family. Obama returned to the White House shortly before 5 a.m.

The Obama administration has come under increasing criticism from those such as former Vice-President Dick Cheney for "dithering" on a decision of a potential troop increase in Afghanistan. The administration has been considering a variety of strategies, including a scaled-down version of a plan suggested by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the Afghanistan lead commander. Obama has responded to the criticism by defending the timetable and urging patience, saying earlier this week in an address to troops in Jacksonville, Florida, “And while I will never hesitate to use force to protect the American people or our vital interests, I also promise you this — and this is very important as we consider our next steps in Afghanistan. I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way.”