NEW YORK, May 03, SPA -- The Pentagon is consideringsending up to 7,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan next yearto make up for a shortfall in contributions from NATO allies,The New York Times reported on Saturday. Citing unnamed Bush administration officials, the New York Timessaid the push could drive U.S. forces in Afghanistan to some40, 000, the highest level since the United States invaded thecountry in 2001 and toppled the Taliban government, Reuters reported. NATO commanders in Afghanistan say they need about 10,000more troops, but some dozen NATO countries have pledged onlyabout 2,000, the Times said, citing unnamed NATO officials. Sofar only France has begun preparing more troops for deployment-- some 700. The officials also said the decision for more troops couldbe left to the next U.S. president, who will take office inJanuary, and that few additional troops were expected inAfghanistan any time soon.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/552094