With nothing less than the success of the nearly 15 years-long war in Afghanistan in the balance, the White House is due to receive key recommendations from the top U.S. commander charged with helping to ensure the defeat of the Taliban and eliminating the threat from groups affiliated with al Qaeda and Islamic State in Afghanistan.

And while what changes the four-star general will advocate are not known, this much is clear: If President Obama doesn’t delay further withdrawal of U.S. troops, and step up U.S. airstrike against the Taliban, he will face another round of blistering condemnation from critics on Capitol Hill.