Article

2009-10-05 Afghanistan

This Mission Is Not McChrystal Clear: Our troops are not in Afghanistan for a social experiment.

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Posted by Thoting Grumble4938 2009-10-05 14:40|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 99.5% of Afghanistan is Muslim but not Taliban. I agree with McChrystal that the population must see the Taliban as the problem--destroying schools and infrastructure as unIslamic--and fight for their own country. He needs the support of more troops to do that and changed rules of engagement. McCarthy's point that our mission is to destroy the Taliban and other AQ supporters sounds good, except Obama's advisors are saying that mission has been accomplished and we should withdraw. While troops are not there for a social experiment, they must be allowed to accomplish the mission without politicizing issues that prevent them doing just that.

Posted by Lumpy Elmoluck5091 2009-10-05 15:55|| 2009-10-05 15:55|| Front Page Top

#2 "The good news ... in Afghanistan is that the Al Qaeda presence is very diminished," Jones said. "The maximum estimate is less than 100 operating in the country. No bases. No ability to launch attacks on either us or our allies.

"I don't foresee the return of the Taliban," Jones added. "And I want to be very clear that Afghanistan is not in danger -- imminent danger -- of falling."

On Monday, McCain shot back, telling the FOX Business Network: "Anybody who believes that you can hand over the country or significant parts of the country to the Taliban and not have to worry about Al Qaeda returning and working with them and becoming a base for attacks against the United States of America has no understanding of the region or the nature of the enemy."

This admin has no understanding of reality.

Posted by Lumpy Elmoluck5091 2009-10-05 16:01|| 2009-10-05 16:01|| Front Page Top

#3 The problem is that Karzai wants the Taliban to have political power in Afghanistan again.

If I find their address, there is no need for them to come to me, I'll personally go there and get in touch with them," Karzai said. "Esteemed Mullah, sir, and esteemed Hekmatyar, sir, why are you destroying the country?"
...
"If a group of Taliban or a number of Taliban come to me and say, 'President, we want a department in this or in that ministry or we want a position as deputy minister ... and we don't want to fight anymore ... If there will be a demand and a request like that to me, I will accept it because I want conflicts and fighting to end in Afghanistan," Karzai said.

So if we, NATO, stabilize Karzai and win, the Taliban will return to power and, for ideological reasons offer sanctuary to AQ.

If we lose the Taliban will seize power without Karzai and offer sanctuary to AQ.

Looks like a lose/lose situation.

Posted by Bigfoot Elmavitle8082 2009-10-05 16:51|| 2009-10-05 16:51|| Front Page Top

#4 I think its pretty clear that mullah omar isnt going to sit down and take tea with Kharzai. That was rhetoric, to win points by looking reasonable, not a plan. Talking about doing deals with local Taliban is a way for Kharzai to avoid the fact that the best way to get the less hardcore among Taliban foot soldiers to change sides is to eliminate the nepotism that rots Afghan governance in the Pashtun provinces especially.

The best thing, at this point, would be to abolish the absurdity of Kabul appointed provincial governors, and have provincial elections for governor.

Posted by liberalhawk 2009-10-05 16:56|| 2009-10-05 16:56|| Front Page Top

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