American troops in Afghanistan losing heart, say army chaplains

Times of London (UK) ^ | October 8, 2009 | Martin Fletcher

[oldbill]

American soldiers serving in Afghanistan are depressed and deeply disillusioned, according to the chaplains of two US battalions that have spent nine months on the front line in the war against the Taleban.

Many feel that they are risking their lives — and that colleagues have died — for a futile mission and an Afghan population that does nothing to help them, the chaplains told The Times in their makeshift chapel on this fortress-like base in a dusty, brown valley southwest of Kabul.

“The many soldiers who come to see us have a sense of futility and anger about being here. They are really in a state of depression and despair and just want to get back to their families,”

[oldbill]

This story makes a point, but it doesn't give the whole story. It fails to address the real reason for the depression and disillusion, that the Obama Administration has put them in harm's way with no intent to achieve victory, with no game plan, and with no attempt to bring them the aid they need to finish the job.

They watch Obama focus on trivialities, like the Olympics and doctors in housecoats, while he dithers with endless meetings on the war and talks to incompetent buffoons like Joe Biden or career-obsessed military sell-outs like James Jones, while they see an increasing number of their comrades going home in coffins.

That's not what they signed up for. They feel they have been sold out by their own government.

[a fool in paradise]

The Commander in Chief is AWOL.

He’s decimating our military to lick the boots of Socialist dictators and selling out our allies.

They have a reason to be concerned.

[jessduntno]

“They feel they have been sold out by their own government.”

They have.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Thanks, Barry.

[marstegreg]

If there are any soldiers reading this right now, forget the administration. They have thrown all of us under the bus when it served their purpose. Even us. The important thing is that the “Hearts and Minds” of the American people are with you. Not a day goes by that my family doesn’t think of all the men over there, fighting for our freedom. From my family to you, Thank you!!!! :)

[Vn_survivor_67-68]

More troops vs no more troops is the apples/oranges diversion from what should be the REAL public debate: the ROE’s that guarantee American blood, and the lovey-dovey new strategy that even includes building infrastructure and industries where none existed that guarantees every muslim will now regard us as dhimmis.

This whole McC/Gates/obama “New Deal” is well-choreographed and a cynical sham!

[Enterprise]

The Commander in Chief is AWOL AHOLE.

[dalebert]

i am losing heart for them

[Le Chien Rouge]

My father was a career man and during the late 70’s, EVERYONE felt Carter was just sh!tting on the military. Obama is even worse according to my military friends.

[The KG9 Kid]

Why the hell the Taliban aren't launching a coordinated Tet Offensive-style attack all over the country is beyond me.

All we need is for 'America's Most Trusted Newswoman' Katie Couric to declare that "the war in Afghanistan is now unwinnable..."

[gibsosa]

YES!

[Jeff Chandler]

on this fortress-like base in a dusty, brown valley southwest of Kabul.

That's part of the problem. Counter-insurgency requires constant interaction with the populace in the villages, towns, and cities. I also requires far more autonomy in the decision-making by the lower ranking officers and non-coms.

It appears that the Afghanistan conflict has been run from the top since the original toppling of the Taliban and the influx of Big Army.

[SonOfDarkSkies]

Their blood is now on Obama's hands!

Additionally, being in such a precarious position, the troops are going to see Obama most clearly (their very lives are dependent on his actions).

This is a clear message to Americans:

Those who defends our liberty do not trust our Country's leader.

[BenLurkin]

This is Hussein's "Mission Accomplished".

[Rutles4Ever]

I don’t know if it’s “sold out” so much as “abandoned”. And that’s even more heartbreaking.

Seriously, this crew in the White House and Congress might very well be the worst administration in our nation’s history. They’re making Jimmy Carter look like Augustus Caesar.

[chuck_the_tv_out]

"The Commander in Chief is AWOL"

I'd actually say he's fighting very effectively.

[nutmeg]

Anyone see this morning's top-of-the-page headlines on Drudge?

TROOP MORALE FALLING:

"We're lost, that's how I feel. I'm not exactly sure why we're here..."

"There's no tangible reward for the sacrifice..."

"The whole country is going to s***..."

"Tired, strained, confused and just want to get through..."

[RC2]

I totally agree. It’s tough on our young soldiers when they realize that their Commander in Chief has no idea what he is doing and couldn’t make a decision on the military without outside advice. Even at that, this President won’t even listen to his top Commanders.......that he assigned. These Commanders are the ones our young people rely on but know that they are not being listened to.

[Jeff Chandler]

It

[Rutles4Ever]

Amazing, when it comes to the military, Obama’s slogan is “No we can’t”