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Obama's Afghanistan Speech Was a Brilliant Start, But Will This End As Well?

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In his speech Obama talked about the war being winnable, but did not define the word, "winnable."
"Winnable" should mean creating a livable environment for the Afghans, opportunities to receive continuing education, and peace.
Given the mixed values of the people of that country, "winnable" can mean a long time from now, a long struggle and continued vigilance.
The whole culture would need to undergo a sea change in behavior. Not going to be easy nor 18 months in length before our troops may return home.
One can only speculate about what "winnable" means to Afghans and Americans. It seems very complicated to me.

J of CA 12:29AM December 07, 2009

When the president says we will win I wonder what does that mean? Seriously, when can you say that the war is over and we won. I truly think that it is NOT winnable, for very simple reason Americans and NATO are the invaders. I just feel very sorry for the military personal, because there are many of them that feel going to Afghanistan is wrong but who cares.They are just told to do things. Poor Iraqis... Honestly, Sadaam may have been "bad" etc. but look what's happening there now. Iraq and Afghanistan are amongst the most corrupted countries in the world according to the latest UN Report and of course we have to say Thank you to Americans for causing it. Iraq was way better off before Americans went in there. Anyway I am not here to judge.
America will lose and I am very sorry for those who don't agree with me.
US will be always involved in every single war as modern History suggests.

Ben of NY 1:58AM December 05, 2009

Yes this was a brilliant start to Obama'a second war build-up. Unfortunately it comes three months and 500 dead American soldiers too late. I guess Obama's first war of escalating attacks on FOX News was much more important to him than the minor problem of getting more troops over to Afghanistan to protect Americans on the battlefield. But then what can we expect from a president that believes "His Image is Everything". Hmmmmm wonder if that was why he went to West Point to deliver his speech on prime time TV and try once again to equate himself with Lincoln.

Too Lateformany of FL 11:49AM December 04, 2009

There was nothing brilliant about this. It took him months to come to a decision that was obvious a long time ago and then he goes and undercuts the soldiers by saying they will be coming back in 18 months. How can you think any part of this is brilliant? He is completely clueless in this matter.

Scott of MN 11:44PM December 02, 2009

The only way to "win" in Afghanistan is to make the Afghans fear us more than they fear the Taliban. That means hitting the PEOPLE like Ghengis Khan, and I don't think Americans have the stomach for it. We like surgical strikes, and only want to hear of the bad guys that get killed.
Are we willing to do what is necessary to win? Are we willing to accept the consequences of losing?

Rich of CO 7:00PM December 02, 2009

After serving 25 years, beginning in Vietnam my opinion is this.
He spoke like a great organizer! The only problem I see is that this isn't Mr. Roger"s neighborhood. His lack of experience here is much like a guy bringing a knife to a gunfight.
One rather brilliant thing he did was to tell the entire world we are leaving in 18 months. Who in their right mind over there is going to help us now. Maybe Mr. Obama plans to begin his shovel ready jobs in Afghanistan? Like digging graves for the poor slobs left behind in 18 months...
Ms. Stiehm, you give this man credit without counting the graves he will be filling...

Tom in San Diego of CA 5:18PM December 02, 2009