COIN 101

Either UK Prime Minister is doing President Obama a favor or is showing him up. The London Times reports that 1,000 British troops are being prepared as requested General McChrystal's troop review. They would be part of a boost in overall NATO numbers though as the Times states, "Most of the reinforcements would come from the US." Obama must act quickly to avoid damage from this news. Brown's decision is easier, but it still makes him look like he can pull the trigger when Obama can't. He doesn't need conservatives cackling he's weaker than Europe.