The Marine Corps announced yesterday that about 2,000 Marines who were fighting the Taliban would remain in Afghanistan at least one more month beyond their seven-month tour. According to the Baltimore Sun, the decision was taken by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates after Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said there was a shortage of combat troops and the measure was necessary.

The decision came after Robert Gates had repeatedly said over the last months that there was no such plan of extending the Marine’s tour. U.S. officials said that the Taliban were getting stronger and the situation in Afghanistan was getting worse.

Barack Obama, the presidential candidate, said he agreed with Mike Mullen that more troops had to be sent in Afghanistan. Also, a spokesman for John McCain said the senator “agreed that the military is overstretched,” reported the New York Daily News.

At the moment there are 32,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan and about 25,000 allied troops, commanded by NATO. 14,000 U.S troops were under the command of the International Security Assistance Force and the other 18,000 were under U.S command.

Maj. David Nevers, a Marine Corps spokesman said that the Marines had to continue their operations in southern Afghanistan just like before.

The Pentagon released a report last week which stated that the Taliban had gained influence over this last year and their strength had grown after they were removed by U.S. troops in 2001. The report also stated that bomb and suicide attacks increased between 2006 and 2007.

About 66 U.S troops and 57 allied troops lost their lives this year in Afghanistan, according to icasualties.com.

Mike Mullen said he realized this wasn’t the best news but this was necessary.

“There's no easy solution, and there will be no quick fix. More troops are necessary,” said Mike Mullen, according to the Baltimore Sun.