US President Barack Obama called his war council together on Monday. It was the ninth such meeting as Obama nears a decision on whether to send as many as 40,000 troops to an eight-year-old war that has begun to try the patience of the American people.

At a media opportunity with reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Obama refused to answer any questions from reporters about Afghanistan.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said a decision may come as early as sometime next week.

Monday's session is the 9th of its kind since September when Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan called for roughly 40,000 more troops.

Obama has since been under pressure to make a decision on troop levels. He has faced criticism from both Republicans, who are urging a quick decision, and anti-war Democrats who oppose any troop increase.

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