More Troops Needed in Afghanistan, or No “Mission Accomplished”
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The war in Afghanistan has become more grueling and the mission more difficult in the past couple of years. So much so that General Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, said in a confidential report that unless the U.S. sends more troops, the military campaign will result in failure.
The story was published by The Washington Post and posted on their website, with some material excluded by governmental request.
The report by Gen. McChrystal was sent to Defense Secretary Robert Gates in August. Some of the general’s assessments, besides the request for additional troops, included “the urgent need for a significant change to our strategy,” improvement of joint efforts with NATO allies, and the need to more effectively reach the Afghan people. The General stressed the importance of winning the military battle against insurgents, but also emphasized another critical piece of military success: the support of the local people.
Gen. McChrystal’s request is now under review at the White House for President Obama’s consideration. The President faces a difficult decision, as the Democratic Party has voiced their strong disagreement with the sending of more troops, while Republicans are found more in favor.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R – KY) is urging that the President follow the military’s advice, a recurring sentiment among Republicans during critical decision making sessions regarding the war effort. McConnell said Petraeus “did a great job with the surge in Iraq. I think he knows what he’s doing. Gen. McChrystal is a part of that. We have a lot of confidence in those two generals. I think the president does as well.”
Because the issue is becoming another politically charged topic with Democrats and Republicans taking staunch opposing positions, there is speculation that the General’s more detailed troop request is being withheld for the time being upon direction of the White House.
Rear Adm. Gregory Smith, Gen. McChrystal’s senior spokesman, responded saying “The resource request is being finalized and will be sent forward to the chain of command at some point in the near future.”
Obama said over the weekend that he only wants there to be ample time for the right people to make an accurate assessment, “The only thing I’ve said to my folks is, A, I want an unvarnished assessment; but, B, I don’t want to put the resource question before the strategy question.’ Because there is a natural inclination to say, ‘If I get more, then I can do more.’”
President Obama has already increased the military presence in Afghanistan to a record 68,000 by ordering an additional 21,000 troops.
“How does this advance America’s national security interests? How does it make sure that al-Qaida and its extremist allies cannot attack the United States homeland, our allies, our troops who are based in Europe?” President Obama asked on one of the several weekend news interviews.
“If supporting the Afghan national government and building capacity for their army and securing certain provinces advance that strategy, then we’ll move forward. But if it doesn’t, then I’m not interested in just being in Afghanistan for the sake of being in Afghanistan,” the President concluded.
The Americano/Agencies
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