(For more on Afghanistan, click on [ID:nAFPAK])

* Ninth such meeting to weigh options

* U.S. officials, diplomats expect decision next week

* Some Democrats want war tax (Updates with end of meeting)

By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON, Nov 23 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama met with top advisers on Afghanistan for almost two hours on Monday night as he nears a decision on whether to send thousands of additional U.S. troops to confront a growing insurgency.

There was no immediate word on whether any decision was reached at the war council in the White House Situation Room. Those attending included Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

It was the ninth such meeting as Obama considers whether to add as many as 40,000 troops to an eight-year-old war that began after the Sept. 11 attacks and that has begun to try the patience of Americans.

U.S. officials and Western diplomats said they expected Obama's announcement next week, before a NATO meeting on Dec. 7 in Europe in which alliance members could agree to send thousands of additional trainers.