In his first major military move, US President Barack Obama has approved the deployment of 17,000 more troops to Afghanistan, saying they were needed "to stabilise a deteriorating situation".

"There is no more solemn duty as president than the decision to deploy our armed forces into harm's way," Obama said in a statement.

"I do it today mindful that the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan demands urgent attention and swift action."

Obama said the deployment orders were in response to a months-old request by the US commander in Afghanistan, General David McKiernan, who had asked for 30,000 more troops.

"To meet urgent security needs," Obama said he had approved a request by Defence Secretary Robert Gates to deploy a Marine Expeditionary Brigade in the northern spring, and an Army Stryker Brigade and support forces later this summer.

The White House said some 17,000 troops would be deployed to Afghanistan ahead of the Afghan elections scheduled for August 20, significantly building up the 38,000 US force already on the ground battling a growing insurgency.

Asked about possible future troop deployment orders, a senior administration official told Agence France-Presse they were unlikely to come before an ongoing comprehensive review of US strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan was completed.

He mentioned it during one of his debates. I guess everyone was too Obama-horny and just ignored it because he had a good slogan.

It was the first presidential debate, I remember watching it. Can you honestly say McCain would have any better though (especially with Ms. Creationist).

He mentioned pulling out of Iraq, not Afghanistan

I am pretty sure there are still terrorists now that Obama is president.