This week, President Obama met with his national security team for the eighth time to discuss how to move forward in Afghanistan.  White House officials say he was not satisfied with any of the four options presented to him, and that the final plan will likely combine the best elements from all the options.  As the process drags inches forward, media sources debate about why a decision has not yet been made

We look at perspectives from FOX News, MSNBC, New York Daily News, The New York Times, CNN and Indiana’s Post Tribune.  

FOX News looks at why the President was not satisfied with the options presented to him, sending his team back to the drawing board.  

“Before the president sends additional troops over to Afghanistan he wants some clarification from his national Security team as to how and when the U.S. would turn over responsibility to the Afghan government. And apparently the four options presented to him didn’t provide enough details on timelines for our troops there and progress by the Afghan government to secure its own country.”  

MSNBC’s White House correspondent Chuck Todd says the Obama administration is frustrated with the media for focusing coverage simply on the debate about troop levels when that's only one piece of the puzzle.

“They’re actually debating various parts of this strategy, whether they believe that the Afghanistan government is a government that can survive, is a government that can prosper or is this really about figuring out how to build relationships with different tribal leaders in order to deal with America’s national security interests.”   

While the debate over Afghanistan is being decided in Washington, The New York Daily News says Obama should throw it back to American voters and let them be heard.

“Obama should use the weeks ahead…to open up the floor to the American public. He should take to the stump, conduct open town halls and encourage his co-equals in Congress to do the same. Give the war back to the voters. They may not ultimately decide if it must end or endure, but at least they ought to have a clear voice in the process.”

A recent CNN poll found Americans split evenly over Obama taking his time to make a decision.  However, The New York Times says that the White House is unapologetic for its deliberation, and is trying to send a clear message.  

“Mr. Obama and his aides seem intent on showing the nation and the world that he is not being rushed by the military, nor making a judgment without considering the long-term implications.”

A guest on CNN points out the potential bright side to the president’s long deliberation on how to move forward in Afghanistan.

“Lets not forget that there is a benefit to President Karzai hearing some of our anguished internal debate because then he will hopefully appreciate that we are not so committed to this as to continue reinforcing failure forever.”    

However, an opinion piece in Indiana’s Post Tribune says delaying the decision is dangerous, and Americans should learn from their past mistakes.

“Our troops are risking their lives every day; they sit in a holding position where they become targets for enemy raids, while President Barack Obama ponders the situation…Sound familiar? Well, it's how the war in Korea was fought -- a stalemate -- and how Vietnam was fought -- a loss”

What do you think? Is Obama taking too long to make a decision, or is his deliberation justified?