White House discusses options with war council October 30-November 1 more than two hours . One confirmed option calls for sending about 34,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan . Discussions include how American President Hamid Karzai figures into strategy . `` I think we are indeed nearing a decision on this very important topic , '' he said , emphasizing the need to focus on the mission of ensuring that Afghanistan `` does not once again become a sanctuary or safe haven for al Qaeda and the kind of transnational extremists that carried out the 9/11 attacks . '' Obama has not decided the number of U.S. troops he will send , Obama officials say .
White House discusses options with war council October 30-November 1 more than two hours . One confirmed option calls for sending about 34,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan . Discussions include how American President Hamid Karzai figures into strategy . Obama has not decided the number of U.S. troops he will send , Obama officials say .