Joint Chiefs head: War strategy refines US focus

[David]

AP


WASHINGTON – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says President Barack Obama's new surge-and-endgame strategy in Afghanistan will help military forces find a better focus for their mission.

Adm. Mike Mullen, in remarks prepared for a hearing on Obama's plan by the Senate Armed Services Committee, also said he thought it was wise for the president to have taken time in making his decision. Mullen told lawmakers, "I believe the time we took was well worth it."

Mullen also said in Wednesday's testimony that the addition of 30,000 troops — and whatever additional forces allies supply — will help military commanders to better "tailor this campaign" of counterinsurgency on the ground.