Afghan war

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The United States has about 68,000 military personnel assigned to the fighting in Afghanistan, with requests pending before civilian leadership for more.

U.S. President Barack Obama has had a series of meetings with high-level advisers about the size of the U.S. contingent in Afghanistan. U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, at the end of August, asked for some 40,000 more troops or, he said, the effort in Afghanistan risked turning into a failure.

Some Democrats have said they would not back any attempt to increase the U.S. presence in Afghanistan but Obama is said to be considering a series of options, of which the size of McChrystal's request appears to be the top end.

No decision is expected from Obama until at least after he returns from an Asian trip late next week.

The Times of London reported Wednesday that Obama is expected to ask NATO allies to deploy additional fighting troops to Afghanistan and also contribute thousands to help in the training of an Afghan security force. That request is likely to be "largely ignored," The Times said. Only Britain and Turkey have said they would provide additional troops.

NATO had a meeting planned for Nov. 23 to look into its members' commitments to the Afghan fighting.