U.S. is lost in Afghanistan

Chicago Tribune ^ | May 31, 2004 | Robert Novak

[GreatOne]

The handful of valiant American warriors fighting the ''other'' war in Afghanistan is not a happy band of brothers. They are undermanned and feel neglected, lack confidence in their generals and are disgusted by Afghan political leadership. Most important, they are appalled by the immense but fruitless effort to find Osama bin Laden for purposes of U.S. politics.

This bleak picture goes unreported because journalists are rarely seen there. It was painted to me by hard U.S. fighters who are committed to the war against terrorism but have a heavy heart. They talked to me not to undermine policy but to reveal problems that should and can be corrected.

Afghanistan constitutes George W. Bush's clearest victory since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The Taliban regime has been overthrown, eliminating al-Qaida's most important base. But the overlooked war continues with no end in sight. Narcotics trafficking is at an all-time high. If U.S. forces were to leave, the Taliban -- or something like it -- would regain power. The United States is lost in Afghanistan, bound to this wild country and unable to leave.

The situation in Afghanistan, as laid out to me, looks nothing like a country alleged to be progressing toward representative democracy under American tutelage. Hamid Karzai, the U.S.-sponsored Afghan president, is regarded by the U.S. troops as hopelessly corrupt and kept in power by U.S. force of arms.

Those arms are not what they seem. The basic U.S. strength in Afghanistan is 17,000 troops of ''straight-legged'' infantry -- conventional forces ill-prepared to handle irregulars. The new unit assigned to Afghanistan is the 25th Infantry Division, which has been stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and has not seen combat since the Vietnam War...."

[Boot Hill]

"Yes, "outing CIA agents" at the request of the Bush Regime."

Begone, troll.

[Boot Hill]

"My wife and I work with the troops and their families deploying and coming back..."

You're a good man.

--Boot Hill

[O.C. - Old Cracker]

He's your younger brother and you don't know whether he's completed his third or fourth tour? I don't believe a word you say.

[texasflower]

It's not for me to keep tabs.

Maybe not, but it sure seems like family love would come into play here somewhere.

I suppose that's not as important to you as getting rid of the "Bush Regime."

[texasflower]

You had to come over to FreeRepublic for the balls though, didn't ya?

LOL! Nicely done arasina!

[vbmoneyspender]

You've just changed the argument. You previously said it was a slander to call Novak an Arabist. Now you are saying that we provide too much aid to Israel. Whether or not that is the case, I take it you now agree that it is not a slander to call Novak an Arabist?

Aside from that, the whole point of us walling ourselves inside the United States is ridiculous. What's more, the founding fathers didn't believe that nonsense either. That's why the Monroe Doctrine was put into effect after the British invaded the United States and burned Washington D.C. down to the ground in the War of 1812. After that happened, our founding fathers made a conscious decision that our basic war strategy from thence forward would be to never fight a war again on American soil. As a result, the Monroe Doctrine was put into effect which warned all foreign powers not to take any hostile actions in the Western Hemisphere. The Monroe Doctrine didn't say don't invade us or do anything that might specifically result in an invasion of our land. Rather, the Monroe Doctrine said don't do anything anywhere in either South or North American that we might interpret as a hostile action.

As a result, this idea that there was once some magical time in our past when we ignored threats from foreign powers until they actually reached our shores is a fantasy. And what's more -- it is a dangerous fantasy.

[texasflower]

You are so right.

[Luis Gonzalez]

"...they only disappointment we're heard was about the attitude of the press and the liberals in Congress."

Who other than liberals would be in here using the phrase "The Bush Regime"?

[Doctor Raoul]

I am firmly against the war and I have no hesitation admitting it.

How do you feel about 9/11? How would you suggest we prevent the next attempt by terrorists for a bigger and better attack?

[Doctor Raoul]

Just remember this, Lynndee England turned down RaginCajunTrad's request for sex. Now that's a dweeb.

[Graybeard58]

Looks like I'm a little late for the troll whuppin'. Oh well , there will be others. There are always others!

[Smartass]

(((PING)))

[LoudRepublicangirl]

He's your younger brother and you don't know whether he's completed his third or fourth tour? I don't believe a word you say.

And I really have a hard time believing that her brother who is an Army Ranger, one of the most professional units in the military is, shooting his mouth off. It's not their M.O. I think she doesn't know who or what the hell her brother is or if she really has one.

[Smartass]

(((PING)))

[doug from upland]

Is Trad cajun for "clueless fool"?

[Chgogal]

Sir, I am very pleased you are out playing golf this fine day instead of thanking vets or visiting a war memorial. It is very appropriate behavior for you.

My family is from Holland and is very grateful for the sacrifices the US has made. I would like to remind you, sir, during WWII the US suffered 1,000,000 casualties. The US suffered over 400,000 war deaths. From that courageous and steadfast sacrifice sprung forth a liberty and peace that Europe has not witnessed in centuries. That sir is what America fights for. She fights and dies for others. That sir is why we are in Iraq and Afghanistan….to spread freedom and liberty for the betterment of man. Remember sir, prior to WWII, European leadership caused major wars that lasted decades over many centuries. Millions upon millions of deaths occurred because of poor European leadership. That came to an end May 1945 with dare I say the US Victory.

I'm the first generation born here in the States. I wish the Europeans in general could imagine how different life today would be without the great generosity, courage and steadfastness of the men and women of WWII. I wish the Europeans and Democrats in general, and you sir in particular were as generous with freedom today as the great men and women or WWII were then. Iraq and Afghanistan would then have much better chances of success.

I have nothing more to say to you sir. Have a good day.

[dighton]

Sorry I missed the fun. "Bush regime" -- how stupid can a troll get?

[texasflower]

Banned or suspended huh? How nice!

[texasflower]

OUtstanding post and welcome to FR! I look forward to reading more of your posts.

[sully777]

I know a Delta Pole. He doesn't talk. His family doesn't talk. I don't talk. No one talks. NO ONE!

IMO, just one of many trolls that have smelled up the joint. STM pure BS. This cajun has watched too much LINK TV.