Monday, January 19, 2009
Deja Vu?
Maybe it was my imagination, folks. But didn't it seem like McCain and Obama were constantly trying to outbid each other when it came to Afghanistan? First Obama would flex HIS muscles, then McCain. Of course, they were basically saying the same thing - more troops (a surge, in other words)......................................................Now don't get me wrong here. Maybe we in fact do need more firepower. But I still can't help but wonder, in addition to that, shouldn't these two fellows (who I'm still convinced weren't the two best candidates we could have mustered) have been discussing strategy? I mean, it's one thing to have the firepower. It's another to know how to use it. And, besides, haven't we learned over and over and over again that pure military might, on its own, is rarely sufficient?.......................................................For example, say we do put more troops over there. Does that then mean that we can stop bombing villages (perhaps the biggest single reason we're losing over there; dead civilians, recruiting tool for the Taliban)? And, yes, what does it also say about improving diplomacy, facilitating an exit strategy, etc.? I mean, think about it. How often is it that a country will willingly (at least for the long term) accept a large foreign presence in its midst? It hasn't seemed to have happened too often in my lifetime, me-buckos.
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7 comments:
"I mean, think about it. How often is it that a country will willingly (at least for the long term) accept a large foreign presence in its midst? It hasn't seemed to have happened too often in my lifetime, me-buckos."
You get used to it Will.
Think about it, we hardly notice liberals anymore...
(btw, sorry to hear about Utah)
That's a good one, bro. I would, however, if I were you, expect a rejoinder from Cliffy. That is, of course, unless he's still mad at me. That's as well a distinct possibility.
Not mad widdle will,
it's just you're soooo boring all the time.
Clif, I'm so boring I put myself to sleep sometimes. It didn't take you very long to respond, though, did it?
Yes, as far as Obama and McCain, their Afghanistan talks were like watching two men with excess testosterone. I completely agree that the Taliban and terrorism increased due to bombing civilians.
The Middle East will undoubtedly prove difficult for Obama. He's been making a lot of noise about increasing the U.S. presence in Afghanistan and, given our invasion in Iraq, I am unsure of the consequences. We cannot continue our presence there, but terrorism has increased. No, we shouldn't have invaded Iraq—of course not. But now that we have, how do we fix this mess? Are we now in an unsolvable situation that recalls the Lady and the Tiger?
We seem to have more opportunity for diplomacy in the Middle East and the world, based on leader's comments. This initial phase is an opportunity for the U.S. to join with other leaders an work across borders. (I don't think Obama's classless enough to give Merkel a back rub during a world summit... that really bugged me...)
Will, found this on Huffpo: First Biden calls his wife "drop-dead gorgeous" -- and it works, actually! It's what Al Gore was trying to achieve with the cringe-inducing tongue kiss with Tipper back in '00, but Biden pulls it off. You believe him, and it also reinforces his humanity and his manliness, which latter is actually off the charts in this speech... But then he gooffes up (another doozy) by adding "She also has a doctorate degree, which is a problem." What do you mean, Joe? Cringe. He's a brilliant guy, but he does spout Bushisms from time to time.
"Maybe we in fact do need more firepower."
We need to add manpower to make up for NATO allies who have run out their commitment while we fucked around in Iraq (the one that wasn't supposed to distract from Afghanistan but did.)
It takes a lot more than firepower, but it takes enough firepower to protect those assets that are needed that are not firepower, AStan is not your precious protected little Connecticut Willie.
Sad to say, but it appears as if our window of opportunity may have ended (like you say, because of the Iraqi fiasco). And do you really think that the inhabitants of that country are going to like a huge American presence (one that has already bombed villages/made a shitload of enemies) any more than the Iraqis did? Look before you leap, Mr. Obama.
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