Most people in Afghanistan are still in a 12th century world. For the most part minimal infrastructure is nonexistent in that country. Illiteracy is a major problem. Dr. Sanjay Gupta reported on CNN that there are 11 doctors for every 100,000 population.
President Obama has told us in his own words that he is not a “war president.” If he was he would follow the George W. Bush format. That would mean using words saying “We are going to win this war.”
He is in a tough position because there has been no Pearl Harbor or 9-11 while he has been president. Instead it’s a “What do we do now?” moment. We are all tired of this battle and see no end game. I do not see any way to change Afghanistan in one year (winter is coming and most new troops won’t be deployed until spring 2010).
Many conservative and libertarian people of considerable consequence are questioning this 30,000 man surge. Two most prominent are Ron Paul and George Wills. The president’s commentary about the impact on Pakistan does not connect sufficiently. I know they have nuclear weapons. I understand the administration’s concerns. I just question the strategy.
The president knows that many of us see the similarities between Vietnam and Afghanistan. He did not convince me that the United States is not going down that same path.
Obama is trying to do the politically correct thing. That is a choice that makes no one happy. There is no military draft so most of us are not directly impacted by this fight. Besides the $1million per man cost there is a loss of brave lives for a questionable goal. Congress should say no to this idea and tell the president to find another path to stopping al-queda. Sadly Congress will probably vote yes.
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