One U.S. soldier and three Australian soldiers were killed in a NATO helicopter crash in Afghanistan on Monday. Another American soldier was killed by an explosion in Southern Afghanistan. According to CCN, this has been the deadliest month in Afghanistan to date, with 27 servicemembers killed in June so far.
Even though the number of troops in Afghanistan (93,000) has tripled under President Obama, little progress is being made. The Taliban continues to thrive along the Afghan/Pakistan border. The Karzai government (whom we put in place) no longer unequivocally supports us and our actions. NATO allies are facing increasing pressure in their home countries to pull out.
Obama originally stated that he planned to begin withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in July 2011. Nonetheless, Senator John McCain (R-AZ), criticized the President’s plan, stating, "It's time for the president to state unequivocally that we will stay in Afghanistan until we succeed."
The question, however, as in Iraq (where every other country has withdrawn its troops but us), what is “success” in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has become the longest war in U.S. history.
Comments
History repeats itself. Who said "We must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex." ? Clue:1961.
It's too bad Gary Faulkner's solo mission to kill Osama Bin-Laden didn't pan out. Then maybe there would be more impetus for grass-root opposition to surge forth so we could get ourselves out of that morass.
But our military is making progress winning the hearts of the "locals" I heard it on NPR. Interesting concept. Too bad we can't replace the army with the Peace Corps.
Suddenly you are very prolific, Carissa.
I hope we, at least, honor the 2011 target for withdrawal.
quote "Obama originally stated that he planned to begin withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in July 2011."
We shall see...
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