Obama to address the nation on Afghanistan next Tuesday

After months of deliberation, President Obama is prepared to address the nation on his new strategy in Afghanistan.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said this morning, "“After completing a rigorous final meeting, President Obama has the information he wants and needs to make his decision and he will announce that decision within days.”

The venue has not been selected, but one would surmise it will be in prime time.

Obama has been hammered by the political right (and by some generals, like Anthony Zinni) for 'dithering' in his decision making based on the recommendations given to him by General Stanley McChrystal on expanding troops in Afghanistan.

Rumors have it that Obama will announce between 30,000 to 35,000 troops, less than the 40,000 figure bandied about (reports have said that the top high end amount was 80,000).

Although they're grumbling, Obama will get support from Republicans and centrist Democrats.

But liberal Democrats?  That's another story.

This article appears in Nov 18-24, 2009.