Thursday, August 18, 2011

Saturday Political Soap Box 6

Today's tragic news from Afghanistan, involving a crash that has killed 31 of our brave soldiers, brings to mind the direction of Afghanistan in specific , and Middle Eastern policy in general. I don't disagree that Afghanistan was a more proper front for our conflict, as the Taliban were complicit in hiding and promoting al Queada. Some sort of stability must be achieved in that country so as to prevent it being a base for terrorist operations. That being said, is the current military involvement an effective way to achieve those ends?

I'm no expert, and generally am inclined to support the administration on this. But I do lean towards Vice President Biden's strategy involving greater withdrawal of US troops, relying more on air power and strategic attacks. To win the war more traditionally would require a much greater troop presence than is there now, and I don't think we have the political will or stomach for that.


There is the broader question of the Mideast and the political unrest that many countries are going through. What should we do on that front?

I always feel like there are no good answers in foreign policy. Every action , or inaction, leads to unintended consequences. Even making no choice effects things. So, given all that, what should we do?



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