President Bush says NATO plans a new offensive in Afghanistan to strengthen that country's democratic government and ward off an expected spring offensive by Taleban militants.
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Mr. Bush Thursday pledged to extend the stay of 3,200 U.S. troops in the country by four months. He added the U.S. will deploy a replacement force to sustain the increase for what he called, "the foreseeable future."
During a speech in Washington, Mr. Bush also said he is asking Congress for almost $12 billion over the next two years for Afghanistan. And he outlined five goals to help secure and rebuild the country.
President Bush said U.S. allies must help strengthen Afghan security forces.
He called on NATO allies to provide more soldiers and to lift restrictions on the troops they do provide so commanders have the flexibility they need.
On Afghan reconstruction, the president called for measures to improve infrastructure and the rural economy. He said this will include efforts to reverse the recent increase of poppy cultivation.
President Bush also pledged to help the Afghan government fight corruption in its judicial system.
Currently, there are about 33,000 NATO troops from 37 nations in Afghanistan. The U.S. has deployed 27,000 soldiers there, the highest number since U.S.-led forces ousted the Taleban in 2001.