US President Barack Obama faces political risks with his upcoming announcement of a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, particularly as his Democratic Party prepares for challenging midterm congressional elections. Obama will reveal the strategy at West Point military academy, likely involving a substantial increase in US troop levels and potentially a plan for exiting the conflict. Republicans are pushing for decisive action, while many Democrats have reservations, presenting a difficult situation for a president striving to fulfill his political commitments. Obama is facing a decision on whether to grant General Stanley McChrystal's request for up to 40,000 more US troops in Afghanistan, or to listen to advisors who suggest a smaller deployment of 10,000 to 20,000 additional troops and a larger role for Afghan forces. Influential figures in Obama's Cabinet and military chiefs are in favor of a troop increase of 30,000 or more, potentially reaching 35,000 with US trainers included. This decision is crucial for the future of the US-led war in Afghanistan, where there are currently 68,000 US soldiers and a total of about 110,000 troops fighting against Taliban insurgents. The conflict is part of a broader campaign against al Qaeda, with potential risks for neighboring countries like Pakistan and US allies like Britain. This decision could also impact Obama's domestic agenda, as the cost and wisdom of the US campaign in Afghanistan come under scrutiny. Opinion polls indicate that Americans are divided on the situation in Afghanistan, with many feeling weary from the long war in Iraq and their own economic challenges. A recent poll by The Washington Post and ABC News revealed that 46 percent of Americans support sending a large number of troops to combat insurgents and assist the Afghan military, while 45 percent prefer a smaller troop deployment. Additionally, the poll showed that 48 percent of Americans disapproved of President Obama's handling of the situation in Afghanistan, compared to 45 percent who approved. Of particular concern for Democrats is the decline in approval among independents, a key voting bloc that helped elect Obama in 2008, which now stands at a low of 39 percent. There are doubts about the situation in Afghanistan, which coincide with widespread concerns among Americans regarding issues such as high unemployment, government bailout programs, the federal budget deficit, and healthcare reform. The upcoming November 2010 elections could see a decrease in Democratic legislative majorities due to the anti-incumbent mood. Many liberal Democrats are against further involvement in Afghanistan, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticizing Afghan President Hamid Karzai and questioning the need for more U.S. aid. Other prominent Democrats have advised Obama to specify the U.S. plan for exiting Afghanistan. General McChrystal, during a recent briefing for a group of U.S. lawmakers, indicated that the number of American troops in Afghanistan could start to decrease after reaching a peak in 2013. Additionally, an upcoming international conference in London is aimed at establishing conditions for gradually transferring security responsibilities to the Afghan government. Some experienced Democratic lawmakers have suggested implementing a "war tax" on wealthy Americans to fund the conflict, despite the unpopularity of such a proposal during an election year. Democrats are hoping to distance themselves from an unpopular war with no clear resolution by pushing for a more cautious approach to military spending, potentially saving billions of dollars annually. Republicans are using Obama's Afghanistan decision-making process as a way to demonstrate their strong stance on national security and criticize the perceived indecisiveness of the Democratic president. Former Vice President Dick Cheney believes Obama's delay in reviewing options is causing doubt among allies in the region and troops on the ground. Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate leader, advised Obama to continue putting pressure on the Taliban. Meanwhile, 14 House Republicans wrote a letter to Obama supporting General McChrystal's request for 40,000 additional troops. Republicans are aiming to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the United States against threats and regain the support of voters in swing districts who have become disenchanted with Obama. On the other hand, Democrats argue that Republicans are attempting to divert attention from the inability to defeat the Taliban after seven years of military operations during George W. Bush's presidency, who dedicated more troops to the war in Iraq.