Editor's Note: Thursday’s American Morning audience commented on the possible troop buildup in Afghanistan. Recognizing the dilemma President Obama faces with this war, some defended Mr. Obama’s decisions to-date, asking why the Bush administration and Republicans didn’t finish the 7 1/2 year war on their watch. General McChrystal received support for his assessment that more troops were needed in Afghanistan.
- Joan: When you interview people regarding the Afghan war strategy or any security issue, you should state their political leaning before they speak because that greatly influences their viewpoint. A case in point is Fran Townsend who gives security briefings. She is so negative about anything that is going on now but she worked for Pres. Bush so that is predictable. Also, who leaked the general's report from the pentagon? That person should be fired. Please ask any of the Republican pundits, journalists, etc. who are criticizing Pres. Obama's handling of the Afghanistan war why they didn't finish this war off years ago? For 7 1/2 years they dropped the ball on Bush's first war and instead focused on Iraq which had NOTHING to do with 911. Pres. Obama is trying to clean up another mess left by the last administration. The NATO countries who were left out to dry there know that and appreciate Pres. Obama’s pragmatism and common sense. If the Republicans who are now so critical had all of these great ideas why didn't they use them during the last 7 1/2 years?
- Tom: CNN's misrepresentation of General McChrystal's analysis of the war in Afghanistan is deeply disturbing. Within the first few paragraphs of his assessment, General McChrystal states, and I quote, "Success is achievable, but it will not be attained simply by trying harder or ‘doubling down’ on the previous strategy. Additional resources are required, but focusing on force or resource requirements misses the point entirely. The key take away from this assessment is the urgent need for a significant change to our strategy and the way that we think and operate." Making General McChrystal out to be a simpleton who simply wants to funnel more troops into Afghanistan is inexcusable and certainly poor journalism.
- Judi: It amazes me when you, John, don't have a question to that man who said we need to fight in Afghanistan? And then we could win if we provide the resources. What resources?????? Our budget for War is overspent in Iraq. The military is over worked. Where are the fresh troops going to come from? We can't protect people from themselves. They have to stop the Taliban's control. Keep Al Qaeda on the run. Terrorists are our modern day Mobsters. We have a more serious problem with White Supremacist terrorists here in the USA. Should we send troops to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan where the terrorists are?
What do you think about a troop buildup in Afghanistan?