US may increase size of troop pullout

Top White House national security advisers are considering much more significant troop reductions in Afghanistan than those discussed even a few weeks ago, The New York Times reported.

Top White House national security advisers are considering much more significant troop reductions in Afghanistan than those discussed even a few weeks ago, The New York Times reported.

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The newspaper said some officials were arguing that such a change is justified by the rising cost of the war and the death of Osama bin Laden.

President Barack Obama is expected to address these decisions in a speech to the nation this month, the report said.

Before the new thinking, US officials were anticipating an initial drawdown of 3,000 to 5,000 troops. Roughly 100,000 US troops are stationed in Afghanistan as part of an international force.