Family Security Matters » Publications » Are We Serious About Afghanistan?

Family Security Matters » Publications » Are We Serious About Afghanistan?: "After three months of contemplating his options, President Obama
stated a couple of days ago that he will probably make a decision about increasing requested troop strength in Afghanistan after Thanksgiving. The White House is already hinting that the U.S. cannot afford to send any more troops, and has released figures of it costing, on an annual basis, $1 million for every soldier sent there.

Fight like you mean it, or leave.

In classified cables leaked to the media, U.S. Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry, a former U.S. Army commander there, advised against sending additional troops.

Canada has announced it will remove all its military personnel from Afghanistan within a year. The British are heavily leaning in the same direction.

In light of all this, the president appears to be laying the groundwork to justify not granting Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s request to increase troop strength by 40,000. He was against the surge that ultimately led to victory in Iraq, and he’s close to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. What evidence is there he will grant Gen. McChrystal’s request?"