If I Were Obama
Nov 30 at 5:05pm by David Tate
There’s a big decision on the horizon, that by all guesses, will see President Obama increasing US troop levels in Afghanistan by at least 30,000 troops. By any guesstimates, it will fall short of the 40,000 troops asked for by ground commanders.
And since no one asked my opinion… I’ll offer it up. It is an educated opinion after all.
If I were President Obama, this is how I would answer some tough questions:
Q – Mr. President, if these benchmarks aren’t met by the Afghan government, will we withdraw our troops?
A – No, that would be a terrible idea. What we need to understand is that Afghanistan is literally a world of its own. This is going to be a challenge of immense proportions that has no option that uses the word failure. We have to finish this mission for the stability of the region, regardless of what the previous administration’s policy and reasoning for intervention was.
Q – So we write them a blank check with unlimited time?
A – The fact is, for decades to come, we will be involved in Afghanistan. We have a budding friendship there in a region of the world that we have the utmost interest. It gives us a great ally that sits in-between Iran and Pakistan. Talk about positioning!
But, beyond that, you need to understand that this is a developing country. The past thirty years has physically and mentally wrecked this country and it will take time and patience far beyond timelines and deadlines. Twenty… thirty years easy.
In fact, I believe the US should strike a defense pact with Afghanistan, for a long term security agreement, that will keep our troops aiding and assisting the Afghans until that government decides they no longer need our help. At the same time, we would go a long way in shedding the image of occupation. Regardless of what the reasons were when we went into Afghanistan, the mission will not be complete until the country can function as a country, which will leave the region and the world more stable. Don’t forget about our assumed moral obligation as well. We have been there eight years; to pick up and leave in the middle would be the worst sign of leadership to countries and to terrorists worldwide.
Q – But the government is corrupt…. they’ve wasted the past eight years!
A – True, but so have we. Shortly after the invasion of Afghanistan, we started diverting most of our resources to Iraq, putting far to little into this monumental task. In actuality, we’ve only properly resourced this war over he past two years. Yes, the government is corrupt. Keep in mind, it has just been born. There will be failures along the way. Look how corrupt the first 200 years of our country was… and still is. This will take time.
Q – So you say this should be open ended?
A – No choice. This will not be finished within my term or terms. This is going to be an investment in a slightly better world, supported in force by 41 other countries. This alliance has no option for failure. We simply cannot leave until we are asked; the strategic importance is too great, the humanitarian importance is too great and the importance in relation to the war on terror is too great. If we do, it will then just be a matter of time as to when we return. You think this war is expensive now… wait until you add a return trip into it.
http://www.wset.com/blogs/news/if_i_were_obama_by_david_tate.html
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