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Compromise Led to Iraq Troop Plan
"The decision is [the president's]; it has not been made yet," said Adm. Michael Mullen, Joint Chiefs chairman.
(By Haraz N. Ghanbari -- Associated Press)
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Attacks into Afghanistan from Taliban insurgents based in Pakistan's tribal areas are a growing concern, Mullen said. Recent operations by Pakistan's military in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas near the border are "a step in the right direction" and signal a growing integration of the U.S. and Pakistani military efforts, Mullen said. Still, he said the border problem is complex and cannot be resolved quickly.
There is "enormous tension between [Pakistan] being a sovereign country and having inside its border enemies with the potential to kill American citizens."
As a result, the United States would retaliate against a terrorist strike traced to the tribal areas, according to a senior military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
"We have been very clear that we will protect our soldiers," the official said. "From a self-defense standpoint, when we are attacked from across that border, we will respond . . . and defend ourselves in whatever way we feel is appropriate."
The Pentagon has refused to confirm reports by Pakistani officials that U.S. ground troops ferried by helicopters participated in a raid into Pakistan's South Waziristan this week.
White House press secretary Dana Perino stressed yesterday that Bush is still consulting with his national security team on any decisions for future troop levels in Iraq but acknowledged that the president has generally gone along with the recommendations of military leaders. "I don't recall in the last few times when President Bush has worked with, or has gotten recommendations from, General Petraeus that we have gone too far outside" the general's proposals, Perino said.
But she added later: "I'll let the president make his announcement next week. But he obviously listens to the commanders on the ground and to his military advisers."
Staff writer Dan Eggen contributed to this report.
