Obama: Stuck between himself and a hard place

The war in Afghanistan:

Notice the dramatic increase in casualties when

Obama started vacillating on America's commitment?

Obama: "We have seen Afghanistan worsen, deteriorate. We need more troops there. We need more resources there ... I would send two to three additional brigades to Afghanistan."

In Iraq: Effects of the surge on military causalties

In Iraq: Effects of the surge on civilian causalities

GATES SAYS TALIBAN HAS MOMENTUM BECAUSE OF U.S., ALLIES INABILITY TO PUT ENOUGH TROOPS IN...

PAPER: Obama furious at Gen. McChrystal speech on Afghanistan...

Divide in White House on Afghanistan

POLITICS: TROOP BUILD-UP IN AFGHANISTAN MAY BE GAINING FAVOR...

Obama: "So I want the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their return to either country in the future. That is the goal that must be achieved. That is a cause that could not be more just. And to the terrorists who oppose us, my message is the same: we will defeat you. "

"To achieve our goals, we need a stronger, smarter and comprehensive strategy. To focus on the greatest threat to our people, America must no longer deny resources to Afghanistan because of the war in Iraq. "

"So let me be clear: al Qaeda and its allies - the terrorists who planned and supported the 9/11 attacks - are in Pakistan and Afghanistan."

"I do not ask for this support lightly. These are challenging times, and resources are stretched. But the American people must understand that this is a down payment on our own future - because the security of our two countries is shared. Pakistan's government must be a stronger partner in destroying these safe-havens, and we must isolate al Qaeda from the Pakistani people."

"There is an uncompromising core of the Taliban. They must be met with force, and they must be defeated."

"But we must never forget. This is not a war of choice," he told the VFW crowd. "This is a war of necessity. Those who attacked America on 9/11 are plotting to do so again."

Update:

Frustration Grows as Obama Seeks Afghanistan Strategy

How Bush-like: Senate Passes Pentagon Budget, War Funding

Reassessing Obama's 'war of necessity'

You heard it here: Obama: No plans for additional troops