In yet another case of lowering expectations in the already disastrous US war in Afghanistan, Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen told NBC today that the war “will be a significant engagement for a period of time,” adding “we’re not going to turn it around and succeed in the next 24 months.”
At the same time, Admiral Mullen claimed that the additional 21,000 troops the US intends to send as part of its planned escalation in the nation “are absoutely vital,” and that they would allow the US to hold areas once they are actually cleared of militants. So far though, it seems like the insurgents are taking new areas rather than being cleared out.
Only yesterday General David Petraeus predicted that the situation in Afghanistan will be even more violent this year than it was in 2008, which saw record levels of violence. Admiral Mullen too has repeatedly made similar statements about the situation, which the administration has charitably called a “stalemate.”
A protracted war in Afghanistan, huh? Wonderful. Just what we and Afghanistan need. Business as usual for the criminals in the military-indusrtial complex, who, it seems, can't EVER have enough money and power, and death and destruction for the Afghan people. Oh, yeah; let's not forget the love and respect from those in Afghanistan to whom we're bringing the blessings of democracy. Does ANYBODY out there STILL believe we're after Osama bin Laden or that he's still alive, or that he was responsible for 911? I, for one am tired of listening to insulting lies as a justification for the continuing brutalization of Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am tired of hearing the word "winning" or McCain saying, "Let us win." I would like someone to tell me just what the heck is it that are we supposed to be "winning". All we have done is murder innocent people and make most of the world hate us!