The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : The Afghan Surge

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President Obama's decision to increase our presence in Afghanistan and provide sufficient resources for a counterinsurgency operation seems like a good one. But there are analysts more qualified than I am to comment on the specific military aspects of the decision. I think it's also interesting to consider the politics of the move. It seems to me to acomplish several things. One is that it is an example of him following through on a campaign promise, to withdraw from Iraq and step up efforts in Afghanistan. Many aspects of his speech today were reflected during the campaign. Back in August 2007, he said, infamously, "If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will." Today, he said:

Pakistan must demonstrate its commitment to rooting out al Qaeda and the violent extremists within its borders. And we will insist that action be taken -- one way or another -- when we have intelligence about high-level terrorist targets.

So, he deserves credit for being consistent about something that at the time was seen as a throwaway line designed to sound tough after he made his comment about meeting with unconditionally with the leaders of hostile regimes within the first year of his administration.

I do think that Obama is being genuine in persuing his policy in Afghanistan, but I also think today's rollout was meant to serve an additional purpose -- to defang any opponents who will accuse him of taking his eye off the War on Terror (aka "Overseas Contingency Operations") while focusing on the economy.

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Reaganite Republican| 3.28.09 @ 8:12PM

Obama will likely lose this war for us, he clearly lacks the judgement, dedication, and principle to win such a labrilynthine conflict.

He already was caught dozing while the Russians nabbed the Kyrgizstani air base SO vital to any plans for a US "surge" strategy in Afghanistan. - It is interesting to note that Obama has now endorsed such an approach, as he was one of the most vocal opponents of the SAME strategy in Iraq... as was Biden. If America had followed their advice then, Iraq would be an Al Qaida Caliphate by now. - Of course, the media is too preoccupied with articles on his puppy-vetting process and how he likes to play basketball to call him on these serious strategic errors.
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And now he's going to strike a deal with the 7th century ogres of the Taliban- good grief.

Alan Brooks| 3.29.09 @ 12:07AM

you guys hear what Ahmadinejad said?

he wants us to return assets to Iran. and while were at it, Russia will give back Spain the gold it took from Spain during the Spanish Civil War. and Ahmanutjob sed the Zionist entity has to go down-- so Arabs can go back to doing what they have done so well:
killing each other.

Alan Brooks| 3.29.09 @ 12:13AM

...I made it up, but come to think of it Russia giving back the gold to Spain would NOT be a good idea-- cause when Spain reverts back to the mullahs, the gold will fall into their paws.
The mullahs are slowly working their way south to Spain.