SUPPORTERS of the US President, Barack Obama, are preparing to launch street protests against any plan to escalate the Afghan war.

At the same time, Democrats in Congress are in revolt against Mr Obama's war strategy, which is expected to result in a further 20,000 combat troops being sent to the country.

Highly unusual gesture...General Stanley McChrystal, centre, at the site of Friday's air strike. Credit:AP

Unease has been heightened by Friday's NATO bombing of two fuel tankers hijacked by the Taliban, which killed about 125 people. Local officials and relatives say many villagers were among the casualties. NATO has launched an investigation into the strike.

The Washington Post reported yesterday that a German commander ordered the air strike based on intelligence from only one source, in possible violation of NATO rules.