President Barack Obama has unveiled his new plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan after his administration conducted a strategic review. The new strategy links the conflict with Taliban and Al-Qaeda elements in Afghanistan with their allies in Pakistan. This linkage recognizes that the insurgents use Pakistan as their base for attacking Afghanistan, a point made clear by President Obama.

In announcing his new strategy, Barack Obama also indicated that military means alone won’t win the war. Obama announced another 4,000 American troops would be sent to Afghanistan to train the local army and police. In addition, President Barack Obama indicated that major non-military resources, including civilian experts in governance and agriculture, would be sent to aid the Kabul government. Also, Barack Obama said more non-military aid, of about $1.5 billion per year over five years, will be provided to the people of Pakistan.