INDIA Still undecided whether to back the build-up of troops sought by his commander in Afghanistan, Barack Obama is facing a real dilemma. How he handles it could set the tone for his presidency.
General Stanley McChrystal has presented a coherent plan for all-out counter-insurgency, providing Afghans with security, justice and jobs rather than simply killing insurgents. The reality is that the US-led alliance is unlikely to commit the forces that would measure up to this ambition, eight years into a war in which the Taliban have made a remarkable comeback and now have the momentum.
