Public Support For Afghan War Hits All-Time Low, Majority Call It Another Vietnam
A new CNN poll puts pubic support for the war in Afghanistan at it’s lowest level yet:
American support for the war in Afghanistan has never been lower, according to the latest CNN polling. The low numbers just the latest figure in the complex math being calculated to determine how the US should proceed in the ten year war.
The latest poll from CNN and Opinion Research Corporation found only 37% of all Americans favor the war, 52% say the war in Afghanistan has turned into a Vietnam.
The new all-time low comes at the same time that the U.S. has completed a “surge” of 30,000 additional troops into the theater, and an increase in military operations, most of which have stayed out of the headlines in the United States:
The numbers right now suggest that the surge in troops has, not surprisingly, led to a surge in offensives. Last month there were 700 airstrikes, according to Air Force data obtained by National Security producer Jennifer Rizzo. A year ago only 257 strikes were logged.
Starting in December, conveniently after the midterm elections U.S. officials will begin yet another review of American strategy in Afghanistan and the predominant question will be whether or not the July 2011 deadline for the beginning of the withdrawal of U.S. forces should remain. Based on numbers like this, and the continued lack of cooperation from the Karzai government and our “allies” in Pakistan, it seems clear that the conditions are ripe for the President to announce the beginning of the end of America’s commitment in a country that seems to clearly be beyond our ability control. The only question is whether he has the political courage to make the decision to say that he made a mistake in thinking we could stabilize a country that seems to be inherently unstable.
“it seems clear that the conditions are ripe for the President to announce the beginning of the end of America’s commitment in a country that seems to clearly be beyond our ability control. The only question is whether he has the political courage to make the decision to say that he made a mistake in thinking we could stabilize a country that seems to be inherently unstable.”
Er what have I beens saying for months Doug? And he’s made no mistakes because again as I’ve repeatedly pointed out there are a lot of people on the right (I know this would be a shock for you Doug) who would want to second guess a withdrawal decision so sometimes you just have to let events prove conclusively that such idiots are wrong. When the tipping point in public opinion term is reached you pull the plug.
Joe,
Rather that going back and forth over this, I will merely point out that I’ve been writing about the need to get the heck out of Afghanistan since I started here in May.
‘Rather that going back and forth over this, I will merely point out that I’ve been writing about the need to get the heck out of Afghanistan since I started here in May.”
I’m well aware of that but you’re equally well aware that my observations about many on the right are hardly innacurate. What your personal position is does not invalidate the overall credibility of what I’m suggesting.
So basically Joe you’re saying that President Obama is too afraid of his political opposition to do something that he thinks is right — a phenomenon that also seems readily apparent in the manner in which he’s basically let DADT repeal wither on the vine.
That doesn’t exactly strike me as a description of someone who has strong leadership capabilities. And I doubt that a President like, say, Harry Truman, would be very impressed.
Doug Mataconis says:
Friday, October 15, 2010 at 16:40
“So basically Joe you’re saying that President Obama is too afraid of his political opposition to do something that he thinks is right ”
No Doug I’m saying he’s an astute politician who well recognizes the truth of Disraeli’s adage that politics is the art of the possible. That’s how FDR got elected four times.Considering you were accusing me of binaryism a couple of days ago. Perhaps you should read some Sun Tsu.
” Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate. ”
Sun Tzu
One reason for the diminished popular support for Afghanistan is Obama’s quioxitic approach.
“One reason for the diminished popular support for Afghanistan is Obama’s quioxitic approach.”
Well we now have 100,000 troops in Afghanistan while for seven years (SEVEN YEARS) we had only 30,000. You have an odd conception of what constitutes Quixotry.
Yes Joe and at the same time the President is saying he’ll start withdrawing troops in under a year.
Based on what’s come out from Woodward’s book it is fairly clear that Obama’s commitment to the absurd nation building strategy he adopted is limited at best. I wish he’d have the courage to admit it’s a bad idea and get us the hell out of there