Afghanistan War Enters Tenth Year

Oct. 7, 2010— -- Today marks the ninth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2001 – when early combat operations began – and the beginning of the tenth year of America's longest war.

At this time last year, Pres. Obama was debating war strategy, finally announcing on Dec. 1, 2009, that he would send 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan under Gen. Stanley McChrystal, then International Security Assistance Force Commander (ISAF).

But today, there is uncertainty over whether the strategy is working. Since 2001, over 2,000 NATO troops have died, including more than 1,300 Americans -- almost 500 of them in the last year alone. Two major operations have been launched in southern Afghanistan, but military leaders are not ready to say the Taliban's momentum has been reversed. And, despite efforts at closer cooperation, U.S.-Pakistani tensions have heightened.

"Obviously the President wants to evaluate, as we do each month, where we are, decide whether or not there are any adjustments or changes to make," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said today about the president's upcoming strategy review in December.

"This will give us a chance to evaluate several months of a full complement of those resources in the country. It's hard to say whether -- what we expect ultimately out of the review. I think obviously the President wants to take stock of where we are and see if there are any minor adjustments. I don't expect any major adjustments," he said.

Gibbs said he did not expect the process to be as extensive the review last year.

Gen. David Petraeus, now in charge of ISAF operations, recently told ABC News the ingredients of a successful military strategy are just now in place, and agreed that a successful counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan could take up to ten years. But American support for the war is waning.

According to an August Gallup poll, 43 percent say it was a mistake to send U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Last September, 37 percent said it was a mistake. This contrasts with just 9 percent in November 2001 after troops first went in.