Since So Many Here Keep Asking This Question, I'll Answer It.

berni_mccoy

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Wed Dec-02-09 04:52 PM
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Since So Many Here Keep Asking This Question, I'll Answer It.

Edited on Wed Dec-02-09 04:55 PM by berni_mccoy

The question often asked here by many is, 'what does it mean to "win" in Afghanistan', or 'why are we there'. The latter question is closer to what is really being asked, what is our goal there. Back in March, President Obama gave a speech that clearly defined the goal, and you can read the entire plan here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/27/A-New-Strategy-for-Afghanistan-and-Pakistan/

An excerpt:

The President put forth the central question:

Many people in the United States -- and many in partner countries that have sacrificed so much -- have a simple question: What is our purpose in Afghanistan? After so many years, they ask, why do our men and women still fight and die there? And they deserve a straightforward answer.

And gave his answer:

So I want the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their return to either country in the future. That's the goal that must be achieved. That is a cause that could not be more just.

It's understandable given the past 8 years of an administration either completely failing at one war or lying us into another war, that people don't want to trust a new Administration with such an important task or even that the task is really what it is. But if you voted for President Obama, he at least deserves the benefit of the doubt that there is indeed a threat and that he would not mislead us into an unnecessary conflict. Trust but verify is what many say here, and it's a valid position to take.

If you don't believe that Al Qaeda is a threat, then it's easy to see how you don't believe in this goal. But the fact is, Al Qaeda is a real threat and they have been since 9/11. Michael Moore is fond of reminding us that the terrorists of 9/11 were all Saudi. That's absolutely true. So is Bin Laden. Bin Laden, in fact, is an exiled Saudi Prince, so it makes sense that he has people willing and able to follow and serve him who are Saudis. In fact, he had quite a group in Afghanistan during the Soviet Invasion, and yes, he was supported by the CIA to help undermine the Soviet effort. The War in Afghanistan during the 80's could have easily been considered yet another proxy conflict during the Cold War, just like Vietnam. The fact is, OBL is a monster that was created by Neocon Foreign Policy, just like Saddam Hussein was. As Rev. Wright would say, he was a chicken that came home to roost. In fact, you can consider the fact that Al Qaeda is actively combating troops in Afghanistan as casualties are increasing, over half of which are killed by IED explosions. Yes, indeed, they are actively trying to get us out of Afghanistan.

For those who get past the conspiracy theory that Al Qaeda isn't real, they next consider if defeating Al Qaeda be meaningless since they will just go into Pakistan. President Obama knows the reality of this and has no hesitation about fighting Al Qaeda in Pakistan as well. He expects the Pakistani government's cooperation and strong effort, and if they do not comply, has promised to strike at Al Qaeda in Pakistan. So far, the Pakistani government has complied and has allowed Coalition strikes to occur inside Pakistani borders. President Obama's plan, from the beginning, included active military engagement inside of Pakistan. So flushing Al Qaeda out of Afghanistan is only part of it, and it isn't possible without the troop numbers to do it.

That is the goal. You may think the conflict is not real. You may deny that it is achievable. But there is a clear goal presented. That is not deniable.