Post by AztecWilliam on Sept 1, 2009 9:12:37 GMT -8
The invasion of Afghanistan was completely justified. However, what to do about that country (perhaps I should put quotes around that word!) now is an open question.
Barack Obama has, virtually in so many words, declared Afghanistan to be the "good" war. He has, although I am not sure whether he yet fully understands it, staked his presidency on that war. Can it be won? Thoughtful people can and do have doubts. The first of the two linked pieces is by George Will. That he is for backing out is significant. But how can Obama do that without enormous loss of face?
But how long will Americans put up with a seemingly endless slog through, as is quoted in the second article, a landscape reminiscent of the Old Testament? If Afghanistan goes on and on, the Left, who would do almost anything to see Obama succeed, are going to be challenged beyond belief. My guess is that at some point significant members of the Left are going to start attacking the President ferociously. Especially if he is unable to deliver on his goal of turning the U.S. into a collectivist welfare state.
www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/09/01/in_afghanistan_knowing_when_to_stop_98109.html
online.wsj.com/article/SB125171718622772181.html
AzWm
PS: And I neglected to opine on Iraq. If Iraq implodes while Afghanistan becomes more and more like Vietnam, Barack Obama is going to have a really hard time convincing a majority of the voters that he should be re-elected. In that case, whether he is a one term or two term President may hinge on the ability of the GOP to recruit a viable candidate. If not, then Obama may limp into a second term, with the Democrats likely to lose their Congressional majorities by 2014 (if not sooner). What the Republicans need is someone unexpected but exciting and with impressive credentials. Someone like Sarah Palin but with a much stronger background and ability to think on his or her feet. Perhaps someone such as Wendell Wilkie in 1940, a man who most likely would have won the presidency in that year had FDR not gone for a third term.
Barack Obama has, virtually in so many words, declared Afghanistan to be the "good" war. He has, although I am not sure whether he yet fully understands it, staked his presidency on that war. Can it be won? Thoughtful people can and do have doubts. The first of the two linked pieces is by George Will. That he is for backing out is significant. But how can Obama do that without enormous loss of face?
But how long will Americans put up with a seemingly endless slog through, as is quoted in the second article, a landscape reminiscent of the Old Testament? If Afghanistan goes on and on, the Left, who would do almost anything to see Obama succeed, are going to be challenged beyond belief. My guess is that at some point significant members of the Left are going to start attacking the President ferociously. Especially if he is unable to deliver on his goal of turning the U.S. into a collectivist welfare state.
www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/09/01/in_afghanistan_knowing_when_to_stop_98109.html
online.wsj.com/article/SB125171718622772181.html
AzWm
PS: And I neglected to opine on Iraq. If Iraq implodes while Afghanistan becomes more and more like Vietnam, Barack Obama is going to have a really hard time convincing a majority of the voters that he should be re-elected. In that case, whether he is a one term or two term President may hinge on the ability of the GOP to recruit a viable candidate. If not, then Obama may limp into a second term, with the Democrats likely to lose their Congressional majorities by 2014 (if not sooner). What the Republicans need is someone unexpected but exciting and with impressive credentials. Someone like Sarah Palin but with a much stronger background and ability to think on his or her feet. Perhaps someone such as Wendell Wilkie in 1940, a man who most likely would have won the presidency in that year had FDR not gone for a third term.