Comments on: The Yanks Are Staying

By: Just Nabisco

Just Nabisco — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:43:20 +0000

~surfaces~ @Benedick: an overnight expert on all things Afghani... "Afghani" is the currency, "Afghan" the people. Hey, looking forward to the open thread. I gots me a drinkee game for this one

By: Original Andrew

Original Andrew — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:05:58 +0000

Barry just doesn’t wanna sink sales of Afghan War 10th Anniversary merchandise.

By: Pedonator

Pedonator — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:40:40 +0000

One week before he waltzes off to claim his Peace Prize, Hopey will announce a major escalation in an unwinnable, pointless war in which, once again, we are supporting one set of Bad Guys against another set (or sets) of Bad Guys, while our mis(?)-guided missiles increasingly seem to land on civilians, winning over hearts and minds right and left.

I’ve heard reports even in mainstream places like NPR that the Taliban barely has a presence in the country anymore, much less Al Qaeda, and the real “insurgents” in Afghanistan are the non-US-sponsored warlords and tribal leaders competing over the poppy trade / economic opportunities, with a few otherwise apolitical peasants who have seen their families blown up by NATO bombs and are now ready to martyr themselves in a blood vendetta against the occupiers.

I say walk away and don’t even bother declaring victory. Perhaps a sincere apology and a commitment of carefully targeted ongoing financial aid would be acceptable.

The type of security risk posed by Afghanistan, even under an imaginary Taliban resurgence, can be dealt with by cloak-and-dagger means. Having an army there can only make things worse.

By: Capt Howdy

Capt Howdy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:16:20 +0000

@Capt Howdy: I will ask if there "a post" or series of posts that lay out his view on the subject. here is a link to all his posts but 90% recently have been on health care. but he has been writing on this subject for years. if you go back a few pages you will find some Afghan stories Im sure.

By: SanFranLefty

SanFranLefty — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:41:08 +0000

Latest in War on Xmas: Hopey's speech will preempt A Charlie Brown Christmas Why do you hate America, Barack? @Capt Howdy: I'm much more concerned about Pakistan than Afghanistan. Never should have propped up that regime for 30 years and let them get nukes in the first place.

By: Jamie Sommers

Jamie Sommers — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:10:59 +0000

@Capt Howdy: linquey?

By: Capt Howdy

Capt Howdy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:01:39 +0000

@Benedick: Afganistan is more Pakistan’s crackhead kid brother I think thats not far off. I think what most people are concerned about is the kid brother getting his hands on the "good stuff". far from an expert myself but I have been reading BTD at talkleft who has written on this extensively and he is one of the only voices on the left supporting what Obama did. his arguments have swayed me if not convinced me.

By: Capt Howdy

Capt Howdy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:57:57 +0000

@Benedick: well for me too.

By: Capt Howdy

Capt Howdy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:57:21 +0000

@SanFranLefty:
not interested in a debate but declaring victory in Afghanistan is not going to do anything helpful. if they allow that country to fall to the Taliban Pakistan and its nukes will follow. like Manchu said there are no good options but walking away is not one IMO.
personally I think Obama showed some nads by making the decision he made.
it surprised me.

By: Benedick

Benedick — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:56:53 +0000

@Capt Howdy: I can't think what you mean.