Posted on 09/15/2009 8:48:40 AM PDT by Artemis Webb
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is holding off major decisions that could put its military forces on a firmer war footing in Afghanistan even as doubts grow about whether the United States can win there.
Many military and diplomatic leaders have urged President Barack Obama to send thousands more Marines, soldiers and pilots to try to reverse Afghanistan's crumbling security situation.
But White House spokesman Robert Gibbs has said no decision about adding troops is expected for "weeks and weeks," following what he described as intensive evaluation. The troop decision will be a first indicator of whether Obama intends to double down in Afghanistan, becoming a wartime president in earnest.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.myway.com ...
There is nothing more vile and despicable than a CINC who willfully allows his troops in combat to bleed out for political approval of his most dedicated supporters.
Last month was the deadliest month in the war ... SHHHH! Not a peep from the MSM!
Well stated.
Makes sense. Obama can’t afford distractions from his war against America.
Mr.President,the war is lost-Harry Reid
“Obama’s Rules Of Engagement In Afghanistan Costing Our Troops Lives”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2335891/posts
“’We’re pinned down:’ 4 U.S. Marines die in Afghan ambush”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2335142/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2336737/posts
*PLEASE NOTE THIS PARAGRAPH IN PARTICULAR.*
“In preparing his assessment of the Afghan command, McChrystal found an American military culture that showed a great concern for troops’ protection – sometimes at the expense of their relations with Afghan civilians.
To change those relations, McChrystal wants American forces to think twice about basic conduct - for instance no longer pointing their guns at people when they pass in convoy or blocking narrow roads with their convoys, while relegating Afghans to the ditches.
To deal with the most contentious aspect of those shaky relations, McChrystal has already committed to try to reduce civilian casualties by issuing new orders that restrict when troops should call in bombing strikes.”
http://www.hotsr.com/news/WireHeadlines/2009/08/02/general-wants-more-troops-for-afghan-war-26.php
From this posted article by McClatchy:
“...U.S. commanders, citing new rules to avoid civilian casualties, rejected repeated calls to unleash artillery rounds at attackers dug into the slopes and tree lines — despite being told repeatedly that they weren’t near the village.”
“BAGRAM INMATES CAN CHALLENGE DETENTION: PENTAGON”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2339337/posts
“GIs Told Not to Risk Civilian Lives”
http://www.military.com/cs/Satellite?c=maArticle&cid=1199422047446&pagename=News%2FnwsLayout
The Pres__ent is too busy making war on the Constitution.
-PJ
Meanwhile, he's been on super-rush to get his socialist/marxist agenda thru' - rush bills through that many senators/congresscritters have admitted they haven't even read - some have had their "aides" read (! - which amounts to aides deciding on policies/laws?) -
meanwhile, our troops in 'ghan are dying at the highest numbers since the war began - BEACAUSE OF this administrations NOE - New Rules of Engagement that leaves them under fire while refused air cover.
August was the deadliest month of the war since 2001. Sept. is shaping up to be the same or worse -
just one more report from one more battle where air cover was refused and our guys died. I'll take their word for it. They were there
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/75036.html
(live link next post)
McClatchy is the new commander for Afghanistan - he doesn't think we should FIGHT this war -
His new ROE - Rules of Engagement are getting our guys killed. This isn't rumor. This is straight from our guys, not a forked tongue politician or the media. That's bottom line.
“General Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, does away with the counterproductive strategies of old, of bombing runs and door-kicking--"disruptive operations"--and emphasizes a sort of armed humanitarianism built upon strong relationships with the local populace. In large measure, the operation becomes a civil affairs mission, and focuses on the doctrine of Military Operations Other Than War. As McChrystal states in his recently issued ISAF Commander's Counterinsurgency Guide, "Earn the support of the people and the war is won, regardless of how many militants are killed or captured."”
He ignores that "the people" in some areas = particularly in the remote Kunar District - are largely Taliban - Bin Laden considers the Korengal Valley, in the midst of the Kunar, as his home turf. It's also called "Taliban Central".
Being kissy face with these villagers is getting our guys killed while these people laugh - because we can no longer give cover to our troops. It's the taliban who are being protected, not out troops/
Defend Our Troops, Not the Taliban
Don't put them on the back burner while you spend 90% of your time pushing your agendas - like the health bill,that if voted into law now, won't even take hold until 2013.
Defend our troops, you lily-livered military hater - at least hater of OUR military.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203917304574410672271269390.html
obama is pushing Israel towards WAR!
Ping
Intense evaluation??? I saw today he was speaking to his employees at a GM plant in Ohio. Always campaigning
That statement I agree with ...
However, he never mentioned his support of the war
Bump that Maine!
The head General was McKiernan who was summarily and unprecedentedly dismissed this summer and replaced with a CIC yes-man, McCrystal...who is now carrying out the NOE - and getting our troops killed while protecting the Taliban and giving them protection so they can shoot our guys like ducks in a shooting gallery.
See my post # 30
and this
I am dismayed over the propensity of these 3 & 4 star generals/admirals to abandon their servicemembers.
How can a decision not be forthcoming for weeks and weeks, yet freakin' healthcare had to be done before the August recess?
The foot-dragging by the Obama Administration is going to kill too many of our soldiers in Afghanistan.
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