US President Barack Obama faces political risks as he prepares to announce a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, with his Democratic Party facing tough midterm elections next year. Obama is expected to increase US troop levels in Afghanistan and may discuss an exit strategy for the conflict in a speech at West Point military academy on Tuesday. Republicans are pushing for decisive action, while many Democrats have concerns, putting Obama in a difficult position as he tries to fulfill his political commitments. Obama is facing a decision on whether to fulfill Army General Stanley McChrystal's request for up to 40,000 additional US troops in Afghanistan, or to listen to more cautious advisers who suggest deploying 10,000 to 20,000 troops and giving Afghan forces a larger role. Some influential voices in Obama's Cabinet and military chiefs support a troop increase of 30,000 or more, potentially reaching 35,000 with the inclusion of US trainers. This decision is crucial for the future of the US-led war in Afghanistan, where 68,000 US soldiers are already part of a multinational force fighting against Taliban militants. The conflict, which is also part of a broader campaign against al Qaeda, poses risks for neighboring countries like Pakistan and US allies such as Britain. It could also impact Obama's domestic agenda as politicians and voters debate the wisdom of a costly US campaign in a country historically known as "the graveyard of empires." Opinion polls indicate that Americans are split on the issue of Afghanistan, with many feeling weary from the Iraq war and economic difficulties. A recent poll by Washington Post-ABC News showed that 46 percent of Americans supported a significant increase in troops for fighting insurgents and training the Afghan military, while 45 percent preferred sending a smaller number of troops. The poll also revealed that 48 percent disapproved of President Obama's handling of Afghanistan, compared to 45 percent who approved. Of particular concern for Democrats is the declining approval among independents, who played a key role in electing Obama in 2008, dropping to just 39 percent. There are doubts about Afghanistan at the same time as Americans are worried about high unemployment, large government bailouts, a growing federal budget deficit, and a controversial debate about healthcare reform. The anti-incumbent sentiment may weaken Democrats' control in the upcoming November 2010 elections. Many liberal Democrats are against increasing involvement in Afghanistan, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticizing President Karzai as corrupt and unworthy of more U.S. aid. Other prominent Democrats have advised Obama to specify the U.S. "exit strategy" for Afghanistan. McChrystal recently indicated to a group of U.S. lawmakers that the number of American troops in Afghanistan could start to decrease after reaching a peak following the surge in 2013. An upcoming international conference on Afghanistan in London is expected to work towards transferring security responsibilities gradually to Afghan authorities. Some experienced Democratic lawmakers have suggested implementing a "war tax" on the wealthiest Americans to fund the conflict, even though this idea is typically not considered during an election year. Democrats are aiming to distance themselves from an unpopular war with an uncertain outcome by urging Obama to scale back involvement in Afghanistan. They are also hoping to restore their reputation as responsible budget managers by curbing the escalating costs of war, which could reach up to $40 billion annually. WHAT ARE REPUBLICANS SAYING? Republicans are using Obama's Afghanistan dilemma as a chance to emphasize their strong stance on national security and criticize what they see as indecisiveness from the Democratic president. Former Vice President Dick Cheney expressed concerns about the length of Obama's review process, stating that the delay is causing doubts among allies and troops in the region. Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell advised Obama to continue pressuring the Taliban, while 14 House Republicans wrote a letter supporting General McChrystal's call for 40,000 additional troops. The Republicans aim to present themselves as strong defenders of the country and regain support from disillusioned voters in swing districts. Democrats argue that Republicans are attempting to divert attention from the lack of success in defeating the Taliban during the Bush administration's seven years of military efforts, which involved larger troop deployments in Iraq.