Tom Hayden: US More Vulnerable on Afghanistan as It Leans Harder on NATO Allies for Support

[StarfarerBill]

The White House and Pentagon are lobbying hard for an increased NATO troop commitment for the Afghanistan escalation, as public opinion in America, Canada and Europe -- and Afghanistan -- is increasingly skeptical.

Placing pressure on the U.S. and NATO governments from the bottom up, country by country, will be necessary to reverse the unsustainable dynamic towards militarism and empire.

* In Afghanistan itself, "nearly everyone agrees that the Afghan government must negotiate with the insurgents," according to the New York Times <11/6/09>. Even the discredited Afghan president Hamid Karzhai complains that the U.S. is blocking his efforts to talk with the Taliban , and continues to condemn U.S.-inflicted civilian casualties. In Pakistan, a powerful 64 percent regards the U.S. as their enemy and 72 percent want the American forces out of Afghanistan (here).

In the United States, President Obama is competing with his critics to win back his Democratic base. So far he has succeeded in winning back about 10 percent, but still depends on Republicans to support his escalation. An AP Dec. 10-14 poll showed 57 percent of Americans opposed overall, while an NBC-Wall Street Journal poll also in mid-December (11-14) found 41 percent against the current Afghanistan approach, and with 44 percent in favor.

* In Europe and Canada, opposition to the escalation runs highest, with 69 percent of Germans opposed, 66 percent of Canadians, 58 percent of Italians, and 56 percent in the United Kingdom.

* Troop withdrawals currently are scheduled for Canada <2,800 troops by 2011>, the Netherlands <1,770 troops by 2010>, while Switzerland has already pulled their 31 troops.

In summary, there are three political battlegrounds of public opinion in addition to the secretive military ones being invaded by foreign troops, Special Ops and drones. The fight against the war is also a fight for democracy and majority rule against the elite global planning for a Long War.

More:
http://www.alternet.org/world/144911/us_more_vulnerable_on_afghanistan_as_it_leans_harder_on_nato_allies_for_support

[Mari333]

1. oh oh they dont like the PR now do they

so they want to get other countries involved to justify their murder in Afghanistan.

I hope other countries tell them to F off.

knr

BRING THE TROOPS HOME END THE OCCUPATIONS

[mmonk]

2. It will be interesting to see how public opinion in NATO countries

affects involvement of the respective countries.

[rgbecker]

3. Which countries would be there if not for the US?

My guess is: NONE!

This is just more "coalition of the willing" crap.