Man it really sucks having leadership that doesn't just shoot from the hip, eh TB? I mean, why spend any time considering all options? It's only the lives of our sons and daughters...

Several Administration officials tell me that President Obama’s national security team will generate new military and strategic options for Afghanistan beyond the recommendations already presented by General Stanley McChrystal.

As Martha Raddatz reported, McChrystal presented at least 3 options, recommending his middle course – an additional 40,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. While the President’s team has not yet developed alternatives, officials tell me that will come over the next couple of weeks. Secretary Gates and General Jones expected to play key roles in devising alternatives, and the hope is that General McChrystal be at the center of the process and sign on to the final recommendations.

Key questions tied to any troop recommendation…

- How to ensure effective civilian follow-on to any military surge?

- Can Afghan government be fixed?

- Is run-off necessary, or can Karzai achieve credibility by broadening his coalition?

- The Afghan government is far from perfect – can it be made “good enough?

- Are there ways to “work around” the Karzai government?

Must more resources be directed at Pakistan?

The President’s decision is still week’s away. Whatever he decides, says one Administration official, will be “strictly focused on America’s interests and will not be an open-ended commitment.”