Reply #71: He didn't start it

[Alcibiades]

though I think that the Bush folks did start both wars for pretty much those reasons, with the added bonus that they would be profitable to well-connected people.

I do think Obama believes in the mission in Afghanistan. I am also certain that people in the administration have asked themselves how helpful it would be in 2012 if Obama actually managed to win in Afghanistan. What I hope is that the stage is being set so that they can go in, rout the Taliban, and declare victory without predicating withdrawal on solving all of Afghanistan's problems before we can leave.

It would be nice if it worked out that way. In the meantime, win, lose or draw, we can expect to see more of this: