We're blowing it in Afghanistan

September 11, 5:13 PMProgressive Politics ExaminerJay McDonough

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I've written a couple times recently on the mounting hostilities and concern about U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.  Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen (chairman of the Joint Chiefs) testified before the House Armed Services Committee, telling them that unless U.S. strategy in Afghanistan changes pronto we could end up losing the gains made since the U.S. entry in 2001. 

"Frankly, we're running out of time," Mullen said.

"I'm not convinced we are winning it in Afghanistan. I am convinced we can," he said, offering a sober assessment nearly seven years since U.S.-led forces toppled the Taliban after the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Violence in Afghanistan has soared over two years as al Qaeda and Taliban fighters have regrouped in the remote region between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

While the Bush administration has said it would send more troops, some critics say the plan is inadequate and any strategy must also focus on Pakistan's side of the border, where U.S. officials say Osama bin Laden is likely hiding.

The officials said the West should do more to help Afghans with new investments in roads and other infrastructure, education and crop assistance.

"These are the keys to success in Afghanistan," said Mullen. "We cannot kill our way to victory." (Link)

The Obama campaign issued the following statement:

"Today, while John McCain's dishonorable campaign was peddling phony outrage and false advertisements, the United States military confirmed what Barack Obama has been saying for years: we need more troops and a new strategy to win the war against the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11. The American people have a clear choice between Barack Obama's serious focus on confronting terrorism, and John McCain's focus on lipstick and a pig," said Wendy Morigi, national security spokesperson.

I looked for a response from Senator McCain on Adm. Mullen's testimony and the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan but I couldn't find anything.  I guess he was so busy with the pig and lipstick story he didn't have time to think about Afghanistan.