U.S. Plans $200 Million Expansion for Kabul .... (update) CANCELLED

From the DangerRoom, here

"...As the U.S. mulls a major escalation of the war effort in Afghanistan, it's also looking to dramatically expand the American embassy in Kabul. The 31,000 square meter construction project, announced Friday, could be worth as much as $200 million -- and provide housing and workspace for the flood of new diplomats expected to try to stabilize the increasingly-chaotic country....U.S. Central Command chief General David Petraeus recently called for "'a surge in civilian capacity to help rebuild villages, train local police forces, tackle corruption in the Afghan government and reduce the country's thriving opium trade.."

[UPDATE].....canceled ..., just three days after it was announced.

"How come? State Department spokesman Jonathan Blyth says the Senate has put on hold on appropriations which would've provide the funding for the new buildings. Perhaps more importantly, Blyth adds, "the Obama Administration is studying the mission and staffing requirements in Embassy in Kabul. As the Obama Administration has stated there will be a refocus of 'American resources on the greatest threat to our security -- the resurgence of al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.'"

So maybe that "surge" of diplomats is on hold?" ( via wired)