The story

President Obama's national security team will begin discussing the number of troops needed in Afghanistan as early as Friday, according to a White House spokesman.

Rising violence and the resurgence of Taliban and al Qaeda forces in Afghanistan have put the Obama administration on defense as the war enters its ninth year. On Wednesday, Obama met with the group at the White House -- the third of five scheduled meetings.

The White House has been working with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top commander in Afghanistan, who reportedly called for 40,000 more troops to carry out a counterinsurgency strategy. Read full article »

All About Afghanistan • Barack Obama