A Democrat Understands Afghanistan

Posted by Mark Noonan in War on Terror on October 11th, 2009 at 05:02am with 10 responses.
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Click here to get Caucus of Corruption: The Truth About The New Democratic Majority by Matt Margolis and Mark Noonan.

Couldn’t say it better, myself:

President Obama’s decision is extremely difficult. Today, less than 50% of Americans support the war. No doubt even fewer Americans would be on the side of doing what Gen. Stanley McChrystal wants to do: temporarily increase the number of troops and dramatically change our strategy.

The way we have provided development assistance to the government in Afghanistan hasn’t improved the lives of the Afghan people. A cloud of illegitimacy hangs over President Hamid Karzai because of the recent election. Even friends of the Karzai administration have reported cronyism and corruption.

Yet despite these setbacks, our leaders must remain focused on the fact that success in Afghanistan bolsters our national security and yes, our moral reputation. This war is not Vietnam. The Taliban are not popular and have very little support other than what they secure through terror.

Afghanistan is also not Iraq. No serious leader in Kabul is asking us to leave. Instead we are being asked to withdraw by American leaders who begin their analysis with the presumption that victory is not possible. They seem to want to ensure defeat by leaving at the very moment when our military leader on the ground has laid out a coherent and compelling strategy for victory.

When it comes to foreign policy, almost nothing matters more then your friends and your enemies knowing you will keep your word and follow through on your commitments. This is the real test of presidential leadership. I hope that President Obama—soon to be a Nobel laureate—passes with flying colors. – Bob Kerrey

That is my hope, too – and what I’ll be praying for. I don’t envy Obama’s position. It is a difficult task. No matter what course he chooses, men will die. No matter what course he chooses, some people will dissent from it. No matter what course he chooses, friends and enemies will have negative things to say about it. But, also, if he chooses correctly then the men will die fighting for a better future. The dissidents will be proven wrong. Friends and enemies will, once again, know that America stands by her commitments.

I hope Obama chooses well.

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Mark Noonan is co-author (with Matt Margolis) of Caucus of Corruption: The Truth About The New Democratic Majority. He also blogs at Nevada News and Views. Follow Mark on Twitter.

10 Responses to “A Democrat Understands Afghanistan”

  1. luvRu5hh8l1b5 says:
    October 11, 2009 at 6:51 am

    I hope Obama chooses well.

    Waitin’ for the chourus to call b/s on this one…

  2. Mark Noonan says:
    October 11, 2009 at 8:56 am

    luvRu5hh8l1b5,

    But, let’s hope not – and no matter what, I’ll never do to America over Obama what the left did over Bush.

  3. neocon1 says:
    October 11, 2009 at 9:05 am

    Mark

    they are marxists with an agenda we are not.
    we love our country.
    not a Godless soulless philosophy.

  4. cluster says:
    October 11, 2009 at 9:46 am

    This is the true test of leadership and will see what Obama is made of. Krauthhammer said the other day that Obama may equivocate on this issue, trying to appease both sides of the aisle., which of course would be the worst case scenario. He either needs to go all in, or all out.

  5. ufgators says:
    October 11, 2009 at 7:55 pm

    Mark Noonan says:
    October 11th, 2009 at 8:56 am

    Mark I just can’t stop laughing at what you wrote…ok, ok…are you for real?

  6. Mark Noonan says:
    October 11, 2009 at 8:40 pm

    ufgators,

    Very much so.

  7. keef says:
    October 12, 2009 at 1:53 am

    Mark I just can’t stop laughing at what you wrote…ok, ok…are you for real?

    Most idiots do laugh at things they don’t understand. Your side must be constantly splitting.

    CO, is that you???

  8. keef says:
    October 12, 2009 at 2:03 am

    I saw a bit of Geraldo’s–gag–show this a.m., and he had, as one of his panel of experts, Al Sharpton, on the war in Afghanistan.

    Who actually takes Al Sharpton seriously? He’s an idiot.

    Oh well, who actually takes Geraldo–gag–seriously?

  9. kjstrouble1 says:
    October 12, 2009 at 6:55 am

    Bob Kerry is a Vietnam vet, and lost part of a leg there. He is one of the few Democrats that has been mostly intelligent about the War on Terror. But then, Dem or not, he is originally from Nebraska, and had a wonderfully conservative upbringing. Just wish he had been a better gov or senator.

  10. neocon1 says:
    October 12, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    keef

    Who actually takes Al Sharpton seriously? He’s an idiot.

    we will see he is attempting to meet with the NFL to stop Rush from buying a franchise.
    When will people stand up to these cretin, race hustlers and tell them to piss off?