By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Oct. 6, 2009 – Eight U.S. soldiers were killed near the Afghan and Pakistan border on Saturday just as President Obama, his national security team and his ground commanders plunged into the debate on  the next steps to take in the eight-year war. 

The conflict has intensified in recent months and so has the tension between the president and Congress.  This could be the reason Obama has invited members of Congress to the White House Tuesday for a briefing on Afghanistan.  

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters during Monday’s briefing, the president will “walk them through where we are in (the) process and solicit their views.”

Gibbs added, that the president has not made any decision as of yet on sending extra troops.  Lawmakers from both parties have been invited and Gibbs said the president’s meeting is to hear all opinions on the war.

Obama may find some Democrats a tough sell on sending more troops to the Afghanistan.  Some Dems were early opponents to the conflict that has lasted longer than expected and remains unpopular with those members of Congress firmly against an insurgency of troops in an already volatile,  dangerous territory. 

One outspoken longtime opponent, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), is a member of a group of Democrats who have introduced legislation to the House of Representatives to block the deployment of any additional troops by prohibiting the use of funds to support troop increases.

Lee said, “As we consider the possibility of further entrenching United States Armed Forces by sending significantly more brave men and women in uniform into harm’s way, this legislation sends a clear message in opposition to this course of action.”

It’s really hard to tell who will have the most influence on the president’s decision.  But one thing is for sure, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, has publicly said he needs 40,000 more U.S. troops in Afghanistan to be successful. 

Let’s see if he gets what he wants.

Do you think we should send more troops to Afghanistan?