Decisions about Afghanistan

We are approaching 120 days since the commanding general in Afghanistan requested 40,000 more troops for that war. the request was made with the agreement and support of the commander of the theater (General Petreus). The request came from General McChrystal who was hand picked by Obama as an expert in counter - terrorism. The request came with regard to the War of Necessity that Obama said he supported whole-heartedly.

Obama's response has spoken volumes about the administration and who Obama really is. Thus far, the response has been delay, delay and more delay. That means that the US forces are proceeding with fewer troops than necessary, but with no change in strategy. The net effect of this is to put those troops who are in Afghanistan at greater peril of injury or death.

While it is safe to say that there are those who would oppose a decision by Obama to increase the troop levels and those who would oppose a reduction in troop levels or a complete pull out, there has been essentially no one who argues that we should continue with the current strategy but with no more troops. given the plethora of self proclaimed experts on military strategy who appear with regularity on the various news outlets, one would think that there would be some support for keeping the strategy but not sending more troops if this course made any sense. the only conclusion possible is that the USA either needs to increase its troops or reduce troops and change the mission.

Why can't Obama come to a conclusion that keeps more troops safe. Well first, he wanted to wait until after his healthcare bill was passed. In other words, domestic politics was more important to the president than the lives of US servicemen. Then, when the healthcare bill was delayed, he wanted to wait until after the elections. Well the elections have now passed. Where is the decision?

It is outrageous that Obama cannot decide what to do on this matter. Obama was able to outsource the stimulus bill to Congress and to do the same with healthcare. He also tried with cap and trade to avoid making the final decisions. On matters of war and peace, however, the president has to actually make decisions. Not give speeches, but make decisions! Obama should be ashamed of his lack of decision making.

the truth, however, is that the USA is less safe since we do not have a commander in chief, but rather a delayer in chief. Sometimes, you actually have to make a decision!