British Prime Minister Gordon Brown responds to questions from England's Conservative Party Leader David Cameron about President Barack Obama's proposed troop surge in Afghanistan and British involvement in the war.

Discussion Questions

1. Review President Obama's speech given at West Point in New York about his proposed surge of American forces in Afghanistan. What is he requesting?
2. Why is the British government discussing the war in Afghanistan? What role does its military currently play? What is the next action the British are considering for their troops in Afghanistan?
3. How many Afghan, British, American and coalition troops are currently in Afghanistan? According to Prime Minister Brown, by the beginning of 2011, how many of these troops will be in Afghanistan if these proposals are approved? What is the desired consequence of this increased military presence in Afghanistan?
4. Conservative Party Leader David Cameron expresses concern about a defined date for troop removal. What are some reasons he might be concerned about this? What was Prime Minister Brown's response to Mr. Cameron's concern?