Not to simply 'let them sort it out'. Not to 'cut and run'.
But, to determine the best possible way that we can leave it. The decision can't be made in a vacuum. But, we have to accept that country is going to have serious problems after years of war. Even significant risks left unresolved. That was true two years ago. It is true today. It will be true in the summer of 2011. It will be true the day, no matter what day, after our troops leave.
If the objective is to leave as fast as we can, and to leave it as good as is possible under that restraint. A slow and intentional withdrawal plan would meet those objectives.
Here is the main problem with an escalation: It quickly and significantly changes the dynamic. There is a real risk that the additional troops and logistics involved will further destabilize the region. It could initiate a chain of events that make it harder or impossible to withdrawal. The result is far from being certain, as it is based on unpredictables.
President Obama
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/11/new-logs-show-obamas-private-oval-office-meeting-with-colin-powell-on-afghanistan.php">met with Colin Powell on this decision, and it shows. He subscribed to Powell's advice given to his boss
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottery_barn_rule">'Pottery Barn Rule-If you break it, you own it'. Unfortunately, under this rule, we will own any negative consequences of doubling-up the war effort. We just signed a second mortgage on the place.
If the initial decision had ultimately been based on the most direct way out--what could have been known as the Obama Doctrine--the calculus would not change as quickly or as unpredictably. No one serious talks about leaving tomorrow. In fact, the country has heard repeatedly, extensively, through a two-year Presidential Campaign that we have to be as careful getting out as we were careless going in. We understand that, and would give a strategy based on that understanding respect:
What I do believe is we've got to be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. And that means, I believe, a phased redeployment, with a timetable, with a pace of about one to two brigades per month, pulling our combat troops out, but also redoubling our diplomatic strategy inside...
It means dealing with the humanitarian issues involved... but also getting the international community to set up a commission to monitor potential war crimes, to ensure that those who engage in them are prosecuted.
You know, those are the kinds of concrete steps and planning that should have been done, have not yet been done. From interview with then candidate for President, Barack Obama (03/17/08)
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/jan-june08/obama_03-17.html The American people would have even given that time.
It has often been said: If you are going in the wrong direction, turn around. No matter how far in the wrong direction you have gone, turn around. And, for god's sake, if it is absolutely impossible to turn around, sprinting in that wrong direction will get you no where fast.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
