Obama comes to Japan mulling Afghan war options

[unhappycamper]

Obama comes to Japan mulling Afghan war options
By CHARLES HUTZLER
Associated Press Writer
Nov 13, 6:02 AM EST

TOKYO (AP) -- President Barack Obama met with Japan's new leader Friday, hoping to shore up relations with a nation that vows to be more assertive with the United States, even as Obama also weighs whether to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan.

While public remarks from Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama are expected to stress their countries' enduring alliance, Obama's visit comes at a time of uncertainty in relations. Hatoyama has promised to end Japan's Indian Ocean refueling mission that supports U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan and to review an agreement on relocating American troops in Japan that Washington thought was settled three years ago.

Obama arrived at Tokyo's Haneda Airport Friday beginning a four-nation Asia trip, his first to the region as president.

Weighing on Obama is a pending decision on Afghan war strategy. Stopping off at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska on his way to Asia, Obama told a military audience he will commit more forces to Afghanistan only if it is vital to U.S. interests and receives public support.

"I will not risk your lives unless it is necessary to America's vital interests," Obama told the troops.


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