Obama: Americans will support Afghan plan

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama said he believes the American people will be supportive of his decision on U.S. strategy and troop presence in Afghanistan.

"After eight years -- some of those years in which we didn't have resources or strategy to get the job done -- it is my intention to finish the job," Obama said during a media availability with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the White House.

Obama said he would make an announcement "to the American people about how we intend to move forward ... shortly."

Several media outlets reported Obama will discuss his decision and reasoning during a national address Dec. 1.

"I feel very confident that when the American people hear a clear rationale for what we're doing there, and how we will achieve our goals, they will be supportive," Obama said.

It is in security interests of the United States and the world to ensure al-Qaida and its terrorist allies "cannot operate effectively" in safe havens dotting Afghanistan, he said.

"The whole world has a core security interest in making sure the kind of extremism and violence that is emanating from this region is tackled, confronted in a serious way," Obama said.

The issue also must be considered in the context of the broader international community, Obama said, adding he would discuss "the obligations of our international partners" soon.

Ultimately, however, "the Afghan people ... are going to have to provide for their own security," Obama said, and the United States must ensure Afghan security forces are trained and equipped.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has urged the president to deploy 40,000 troops in addition to the 68,000 U.S. troops already in Afghanistan.