WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- A U.S. military adviser says anything fewer than 25,000 additional troops won't be enough to turn around the Afghan war effort.
David Kilcullen, an influential adviser to the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, told CNN Friday that time is running out to change American fortunes in the country. While the war is not going as bad as some contend, "it's worse than any other time in the past," he said.
Reports indicate McChrystal is asking U.S. President Barack Obama for up to 40,000 extra troops, with some saying one option now on the table would send 60,000 additional soldiers -- almost doubling the current U.S. force.
CNN said Kilcullen contends three overriding issues face the United States in Afghanistan: the government's lack of legitimacy, continuing safe havens for terrorists in Pakistan and limited military resources.
The Afghan people's support is necessary, and they cannot be protected without at least 25,000 more troops, he told the U.S. broadcaster.
