Overall, I support Pres BO's statement about increasing our troop levels in Afghanistan.
We need to secure the country and destroy Al Qaeda or The Taleban.
I agree with Max Boot:
"The new Afghanistan policy that President Obama unveiled at the White House today was pretty much all that supporters of the war effort could have asked for, and probably pretty similar to what President McCain would have decided on."
So far so good.
We are very happy to see that Pres BO is listening to the generals!
What could go wrong?
First, wars always bring surprises. Just read about The Civil War, WW2 or more recently Iraq.
Second, will the Europeans finally send combat troops? We need guys to fight not to sit in the bleachers!
We can't fight the world's enemies if the world does not want to fight.
As the father of 3 sons of military age, I am tired of this. It's time for the Euros to get in the game!
We can't fight in Afghanistan with US, UK and Canadian troops.
Third, and most important, when will the Dems turn against the war?
Afghanistan will be costly, difficult and a lot more complicated than Iraq.
It will require patience, money and a president who governs rather than reads polls.
I have not seen anything in Pres BO's past, or first 60 days, that he will stand up to anyone. So far, he didn't stand up to the Democrats who embarrassed him with protectionist provisions in the last budget or the teachers' unions who stand against any change in public education!
Again, we will support Pres BO in Afghanistan because we understand the geopolitical implications of a defeat.
My concern is the Dem party.
Is this party tough enough to fight this war? I have serious doubts!
Michael Yon had an interesting post on Pres BO's decision:
"President Obama has just spoken on AfPak. I closed my eyes and listened closely to his words, coming via the BBC from the other side of the world.
The President's words were disappointing. He talked about our goal to reach a force level of 134,000 Afghan soldiers and 82,000 police by 2011.
This is not even in the neighborhood of being enough.
Further, the increase of 21,000 U.S. troops is likely just a bucket of water on the growing bonfire.
One can only expect that sometime in 2010, the President will again be forced to announce another increase in U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
If there were not people like Gates and Petraeus up there, my gut would say to pull out.
It is only my faith in the military, and what I saw them accomplish against heavy odds in Iraq, that gives me hope."
I respect Yon a lot. Let's hope that things work out in Afghanistan.
We know this: This is Pres BO's war now. It won't be long before "the left wing" turns on the war!
In fact, we are already seeing this in the media: Don't Go There Mr. President! By Tom Hayden!
