From Blackfive:
Richard Fernandez of the Belmont Club writes a very well done essay on the present Afghanistan decision making process. He compares Andrew Sullivan's apologia with David Kilcullen's concerns about the time involved in reaching a decision. You can disregard the Sullivan part except to understand that he thinks it is just marvelous that Obama is taking so much time considering all the options and doing his homework before making a decision to change the strategy there.
Fernandez reminds us of a very important point that seems to have escaped many as they await the decision. The strategy President Obama is planning on changing is his own. In March of this year he said:
My Comment: Blackfive has written the post that I wished that I had the time to write. It is a must read.
On a side note .... Blackfive's (and the Belmont Club's) commentary illustrates and explains perfectly why I believe we should leave Afghanistan. The political will and leadership that is necessary to confront the Taliban/Al Qaeda insurgency in Afghanistan is (completely) lacking in this White House. In such an environment, any continuation of this mess will only result in more American bloodshed and treasure being shed in a conflict that has little if any support back home .... and which will in the end not stop the Taliban from eventually becoming victorious in Afghanistan.
This slow train wreck is a disaster on so many levels, and I have no idea on where to begin. It pains to me to know that this failure to confront these radical elements of Islam forcefully and with commitment will only lay the groundwork for more conflict and war in the future. If we stay in Afghanistan, the slaughter of our troops and the depletion of our treasury will continue. If we leave Afghanistan .... they will still come after us as they did on 9/11.
But by leaving we may be able to buy some time .... and maybe .... (it is a big maybe) .... during this time responsible leaders and opinion makers will be elected/and or put in positions of power in which the will and commitment, proper direction, policies, and strategies will be implemented to confront the many problems that we are confronted with today.
But today .... lets face it .... the barbarians are at the door and our leaders are somewhere else.