As we have seen from the situation in Iraq, withdrawing American troops from a nation is a slow (almost glacial) and expensive process. Don’t worry however, as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates assures that the process of adding troops won’t be nearly so difficult, or at least not so slow.
“I anticipate that as soon as the president makes his decision, we can probably begin flowing some forces pretty quickly after that,” Gates announced today. The comments came in spite of warnings from Admiral Michael Mullen that Afghanistan’s lack of roads and infrastructure made the escalation a challenge.
General Stanley McChrystal, the US commander in Afghanistan, requested an escalation of forces in August, eventually laying out a series of options that has him requesting up to 80,000 additional troops for the war. President Obama has yet to announce which option he will select, but it is generally believed that he will approve an escalation in the realm of 30,000 additional troops.
Though it is unclear when Obama’s decision will come, officials have suggested in the past that the escalation could begin in January. Gates’ comment seems to indicate it won’t be a tentative beginning.
How much of the $400/gallon gas used by the military in Afghanistan goes to the Taliban?
Only $2OO.OO
I am grateful for men like McChrystal, whose job it is to find America's enemies, as identified by civilian leadership, and put their head on a pike. I am grateful for the warrior class. I regret the political class of people who send them out so often. George Washington: Still right. Never improved on.
You're grateful for war criminals like McChrystal who slaughter innocent civilians? That says a lot about you.
I've got news for you brucie: America's enemies ARE the politicians and the generals who you hold so high in your twisted sense of self righteousness. The warrior class are little more than mass murderers who should all be tried at the Hague and sent to Guantanamo… dressed in pink and presided over by the innocent Afghans and Iraqis who have been illegally held there for up to six years. Name one Afghan or Iraqi who set foot on US soil and harmed a single American! Can't do it… because it has never happened. What a pathetic excuse for humanity you are…
Rumey and Chaney should be in Guantanamo for 911 attacks, and Bush and Obama should be hung on White house lawn for treason and then drape there caskets with a red flag.