Afghanistan.. clear objective and exit strategy?

[buckman]

The fact is we are now engaged further in Afganastan with no clear objective from our leader. I saw him stumble and bumble through this same question at the G20. It's a shame. I'm disappointed with the left. They assured us Obama had all the answers. At least his knew direction of dialog would make everyone love us again.
Here's a fact, in Iraq, Afganastan, Iran, North Korea and even here on our own soil we are less safe today then 1yr. ago. It's amature hour at the Whitehouse.

[spence]

Originally Posted by buckman

Here's a fact, in Iraq, Afganastan, Iran, North Korea and even here on our own soil we are less safe today then 1yr. ago. It's amature hour at the Whitehouse.

If it's a "fact" then you should have no problem producing some statistics to back up your claim.

Have at it.

-spence

[striperman36]

Regardless of our differences, the fact is that more of our armed services are dying in Afghanistan now, then anywhere else during this action.
iCasualties | Operation Enduring Freedom | Afghanistan

The Afghanistan people have been at war for centuries. How can we change the fundamental way of life. When the Taliban pay men to fight, kill those who are found or suspected to be against them, how, can anyone from outside change the way of life.

[Fly Rod]

To many American men are dying for a war we will never win.

"Obama's War."

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by Fly Rod

To many American men are dying for a war we will never win.

"Obama's War."

Afghanistan is America's War.

Iraq (where more troops have died and has cost twice as much as Afghanistan) is Bush's War.

[justplugit]

Originally Posted by striperman36

Regardless of our differences, the fact is that more of our armed services are dying in Afghanistan now, then anywhere else during this action.

The Afghanistan people have been at war for centuries. How can we change the fundamental way of life. When the Taliban pay men to fight, kill those who are found or suspected to be against them, how, can anyone from outside change the way of life.

I agree, they are a tribal people and not prone to want to answer to a National government let alone a Western style government.
There has to be a desire on their part to want it and defend it. That doesn't seem to be the case.
Sending more troops will not change that, no way, no how.

Meantime they are waiting for the post election results with a NATO mandate to support the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
So if they are illegitimate what does that mean for the NATO mission??? Politicians don't seem to want to speculate on that.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by buckman

Here's a fact, in Iraq, Afganastan, Iran, North Korea and even here on our own soil we are less safe today then 1yr. ago. It's amature hour at the Whitehouse.

As a fact, I am anxious to see evidence that backs it up.

[buckman]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

As a fact, I am anxious to see evidence that backs it up.

What did you stop reading the news? Open your eyes. You and Spence are friggen joking right?

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by buckman

What did you stop reading the news? Open your eyes. You and Spence are friggen joking right?

For the last week? Yes.

Even still, aside from the terrorists that have been arrested over the last week, there have been no events to articulate any change in how safe we are compared to a year ago.

I was no more nervous flying home from California on Thursday with the substantially increased airport security (due to the elevated number of FBI advisories) than I was last year.

[spence]

Originally Posted by buckman

What did you stop reading the news? Open your eyes. You and Spence are friggen joking right?

Please be more specific.

-spence

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

As a fact, I am anxious to see evidence that backs it up.

Go through TSA in Dulles, I feel like I am in a third world country.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by striperman36

Go through TSA in Dulles, I feel like I am in a third world country.

Just went through SFO in California on Thursday. Multiple checkpoints and random searches of people waiting at their gate - at least 1/3 people were having their bags checked after going through the scanners and seemed like at least 50% of people were being patted down. Security was pretty tight.

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Just went through SFO in California on Thursday. Multiple checkpoints and random searches of people waiting at their gate - at least 1/3 people were having their bags checked after going through the scanners and seemed like at least 50% of people were being patted down. Security was pretty tight.

Dulles has everyone domestic and international go through the same security checkpoints, so many many languages being spoken.
Also alot of the people working TSA there are immigrants, women with face shrouds, men with turbans. I feel really weird going through security there.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by striperman36

Dulles has everyone domestic and international go through the same security checkpoints, so many many languages being spoken.
Also alot of the people working TSA there are immigrants, women with face shrouds, men with turbans. I feel really weird going through security there.

It's been a while since I've been through. If I'm going to DC, the Acella trains are for me. When I have connections, Dulles is a last resort. That airport is a mess.

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

It's been a while since I've been through. If I'm going to DC, the Acella trains are for me. When I have connections, Dulles is a last resort. That airport is a mess.

Doing Reagan from now on. It's just about equi-distant from there or dulles to my clients and office and the USAIR shuttle makes it much easier. Although in and out of any DC area airport is painful even BWI or Richmond.