Sources: Iraq, Afghanistan withdrawals delayed

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Decisions delayed on Iraq troop withdrawals, sending more troops to Afghanistan

Decisions delayed until Pentagon gives President Obama more detail on risks

Pentagon working on three Iraq combat troop withdrawal options for the president

Options include: 16 months, 19 months and 23 months


By Barbara Starr
CNN
   
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Decisions about withdrawing troops from Iraq and sending more troops to Afghanistan have been delayed until the Pentagon provides President Barack Obama with more detail about the risks and implications of the issues confronting him, according to two senior Pentagon officials.


A U.S. soldier stands guard as policemen destroy poppy fields in Nadi Ali district, February 5, 2009.

Both officials, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, have a direct understanding of the discussion regarding troop withdrawals. They said the military is not concerned about the delays, but that there is concern about the deteriorating levels of security in Afghanistan.

The officials confirmed that the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command are now working on three Iraq combat troop withdrawal options for the president: 16 months, 19 months and 23 months.

The first option is consistent with Obama's campaign promise. But in recent discussions with senior military leaders and Defense Secretary Robert Gates, it became clear the president wanted to see other options and have a full discussion of the risks involved with each of them, the officials said.

"The President asked for ideas and we are working on them," one official said.

So far, a final recommendation from the military has not been submitted to the White House. The 19- and 23-month options were developed by the military, but Obama did not specifically ask for them, the officials said.

"The President is not fixated on a time frame. He has taken a step back and is reflecting on what's at stake," the second official said.

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