General McChrystal is calling for more troops in Afghanistan, warning policy makers that no new troops in the next year “risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible.”
McChrystal’s report, which was sent to Washington at the end of August, reviews the current situation in Afghanistan and evaluates the need for more resources and new strategy in order to succeed in our efforts overseas.
At the end of the report, sent to Washington August 30, it stated, “Resources will not win this war, but under-resourcing could lose it.”
The Obama Administration is still reviewing the McChrystal report sent to Defense Secretary Robert Gates. The report also calls for a re-evaluation of counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan and additional resources to protect civilians. McChyrstal is critical of the current strategy, stating that it does not aggressively defend the Afghan population and that there is “unnecessary collateral damage.” The troops on the ground have been “Pre-occupied with protection of our own forces,” and that U.S. forces “have operated in a manner that distances us — physically and psychologically — from the people we seek to protect. . . . The insurgents cannot defeat us militarily; but we can defeat ourselves.”
Obama said in Sunday morning news show interviews that a reevaluation of strategy was the most important step right now, pushing commanding officers to answer questions about strategy before he can make the decision to sent more troops overseas. The President said that there is often “a natural inclination to say, ‘If I get more, then I can do more.”‘ and that if the strategy isn’t working then more troops will not make it work better.
While a direct request for troops was not made in August, McChrystal is expected to make a formal request for troops in the near future. The Obama Administration is sticking to its position that strategy must be fully analyzed before Obama makes a decision about the amount of resources that will be dedicated to the war in Afghanistan.
At The D.C. Writeup we aren’t very encouraged by Obama’s statements. As Commander in Chief he should not be playing rhetorical and political games on talk shows and hedging his bets. He should be making an absolute commitment to win the war, which was one of his campaign promises. A reevaluation of strategy is critical to winning and while we do not take issue that Obama wants a clear assessment of the situation, the hesitant tone of the rhetoric concerns us. Additionally, the report was leaked to the media which could indicate there are serious differences of opinions behind the scenes and that administration and military officials are not on the same page.
President Obama, please commit to winning. The United States, Afghanistan, and the cause of freedom will all be better off if you do.
Loading ...
September 21st, 2009 at 1:31 pm
QUIT AFGHANISTAN – But not easily
The beautiful and delicate poppy that now paints the landscapes of Afghanistan with vibrant colors, has long been the symbol for sacrifice. The aesthetic is as soothing to the sense of sight, as it is exasperating to the conscience.
http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/04/poppy-fields-of-mass-destruction.html
Drastic action is required.
[Reply to this Comment]