KOTA Territory NewsSouth Dakota senators react to Obama's Afghanistan plan

South Dakota senators react to Obama's Afghanistan plan

KOTA Territory News Team

President Barack Obama will address the nation a week from Tuesday night to announce his decision on US troop levels in Afghanistan.

Obama says he wants to "finish the job" in Afghanistan.  But, the Afghan people "ultimately have to provide for their own security.''

Administration officers now expect the commander in chief to send 34,000 additional soldiers.

The president was apparently satisfied with exit strategies pentagon staff presented to him.

Until he announces the official plan, US Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune say they can't really comment.

However, they do have ideas on what they hope Obama's continuing strategy in Afghanistan will be.

"I have been supportive of a short–term transition period for the troops in Afghanistan.  But, I doubt that we can stay there forever," Johnson said.

"If we're going to do this, we need to do it right.  We can't do it halfway.  I think you got to make sure that you got the resources and a military commitment that's compatible with the strategy," Thune said.

Because of his 'extraordinary' support for the National Guard, Thune received the Charles Dick Medal of Merit Tuesday.