"This will allow us to recover the 33K troop surge I announced in December 2009."

[Clio the Leo]

As I noted in my remarks on the way forward in Afghanistan on June 22, we have seen great progress in our fight against al-Qa'ida; we have reversed the Taliban's momentum in Afghanistan; and we continue to see progress in training the Afghan National Security Forces. This will allow us in the coming year to fully recover the 33,000 U.S. troop surge I announced at West Point in December 2009. Beyond that change, we continue to implement the strategy and do not believe further modifications or adjustments to the metrics, resources, or authorities are required at this time. Huge challenges remain, and this is the beginning -- but not the end -- of our effort to wind down this war.

Sincerely,
BARACK OBAMA

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/30/letter-president-regarding-report-afghanistan-and-pakistan