Updated on
Summary
President Barack Hussain Obama, accused by some of dithering over a new strategy for Afghanistan, vowed not to be rushed into a decision over whether to send more U.S. troops to the war zone. Obama spoke to U.S. Navy personnel in Jacksonville on the same day 14 Americans were killed in helicopter crashes in Afghanistan and shortly after he met top advisers for a sixth time about a new Afghan strategy the White House said was still weeks away. Just last week, the White House rejected former Vice President Dick Cheney's charge that Obama was dithering over the strategy review and needed to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm's way, Obama said to applause from the sailors at the event and their families. I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary. And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt. Obama also expressed condolences to the families of the latest 14 Americans killed in Afghanistan.
