Who Should the President Listen To In Regards to Afghanistan Plan?

Should Obama heed the advice of U.S. Ambassador Eikenberry or General McChrystal?

By U.S. News Staff

November 12, 2009 RSS Feed Print

According to press reports, Karl W. Eikenberry, the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, sent two classified cables to officials in Washington warning against the deployment of more troops. Arguing that the United States should resist sending more soldiers until the Afghan government—led by controversially-elected President Hamid Karzai—proves its commitment to addressing corruption within the nation, the ambassador's advice comes in direct opposition to that of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top-ranking U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan. McChrystal warned earlier that without additional troops, the mission in Afghanistan will likely fail. What do you think? Which adviser should President Obama listen to when making his decision on Afghanistan strategy? Post your thoughts below.

Previously: How Can We Best Honor Our Veterans?

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Afghanistan poses an interesting problem. They have been invaded since the time of Alexander the Great and each and every time have returned to their tribal ways. That being the case it's somewhat difficult to understand what we are doing there. We will come and go at great expense and the end result will be the same ol Tribal groups will control the same ol mountains. They will not come out and attack us like Iran will try to do.

The only good we will get out of the whole thing is a bunch of jobs for Americans building new toys for the military.

James Martin of AZ 9:17PM November 17, 2009

Jimmy Carter was noted for his integrity and sought a higher standard in the world order. Unfortunately he tried to do this in the real world. Now we have the Obama team trying to do the same thing. Unfortunately this team is composed not only of idealists, but of a bunch of rookie idealists who have no experience or accomplishments in the real world. This month team Obama has managed to turn a cold shoulder on Poland and Germany - the USAs two greatest triumphs of the cold war. Lets not listen to a military expert on Afghanistan but to a politician; which one will give a more honest recommendation. If we get this wrong team Obama will be three for three. I am visting Europe as I write this and from here it looks like the Obama honeymoon which in not only over but nearly forgotten. Maybe some here did not like Bush II but they acknowledge he never turned his back on old friends.

JS of NY 11:02AM November 14, 2009

Make the mountains look like LA freeways after an earthquake.

Play for keeps and mean business.

Fed Up of DE 6:42PM November 13, 2009

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