Monday, October 05, 2009

The Decision on Afghanistan

The Obama administration isn't too happy with General McChrystal's recent remarks on Afghanistan. I suppose the General is tired of not being listened to.

In London the General said that he "flatly rejected proposals to switch to a strategy more reliant on drone missile strikes and special forces operations against al-Qaeda.

He told the Institute of International and Strategic Studies that the formula, which is favoured by Vice-President Joe Biden, would lead to "Chaos-istan".

When asked whether he would support it, he said: "The short answer is: No."

He went on to say: "Waiting does not prolong a favorable outcome. This effort will not remain winnable indefinitely, and nor will public support."


So Pres. Obama finds himself in a bad position that may get worse. I've said recently that we need to bring our boys home until we get a President who is interested only in winning. Now Obama is basically going to have to decide whether to listen to the General there on the ground or Joe Biden on strategy.

This decision will tell us whether Obama is a serious President or a naive one.

I think we know the answer to that one.

I would be very happy to be wrong though.