Teal,
I do not remember the military asking for more troops and not getting them. In fact, I think the military has recevied just about everything they have asked for. While I have no problems with sending more troops--even though one of them might be me--it seems that the cry for more troops is coming primarily from the politicians.
The way this should work is the NCA should update the objectives--like ending this incremental approach and just killing terrorists wherever we find them--then the field commanders should decide what they need in terms of people and resources.
Having politicians decide what the troops level should be--especially when many seem to be hoping we fail in Iraq--strikes me as a very bad idea.
Blaine
