Of course, who knows which direction 0bama will take with regard to Afghanistan now. Given the news reports today, it seems he’s decided to scrap all of the recommendations given by his national security advisers and General McChrystal, and wants to go back to the ‘drawing board’.
It looks like the White House floated some trial balloons on Afghanistan in the media, and they didn’t like the reaction they saw from the Left. If the decisions regarding the war are made based on what the Left approves of, we should end it now. It isn’t looking good.
There are plenty of clues.
"it seems he's decided to scrap"
Not true, he has rejected because there is no exit strategy. Here is your first clue.
Obama and Powell have both stated that they are talking. Compare what Obama says to the Powell Doctrine, which you can find on the internet. Number 5 of the Powell doctrine says there has to be a plausible exit strategy. Compare the statements Obama made in Alaska yesterday to the Powell doctrine.
There is no drawing board. Once Obama gets what he needs to decide, he will make the decision on Counter terrorism, Counterinsurgency, or a hybrid.
Here is another clue. Pay attention to what Gates, Scowcroft, and Kissinger are saying.
Here is another clue, Obama's drop dead date of decision is the same date that the Fort Drum contingent is set to deploy. That is the earliest deployment. The latest deployments are set in early 2011.