dupe

[kpete]

Source: Associated Press

Official: Obama won't take any current war options

By BEN FELLER and ANNE GEARAN (AP) – 3 hours ago

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama does not plan to accept any of the Afghanistan war options presented by his national security team, pushing instead for revisions to clarify how and when U.S. troops would turn over responsibility to the Afghan government, a senior administration official said Wednesday.

Obama is still close to announcing his revamped war strategy — most likely shortly after he returns from a trip to Asia that ends on Nov. 19.

But the president raised questions at a war council meeting Wednesday that could alter the dynamic of both how many additional troops are sent to Afghanistan and what the timeline would be for their presence in the war zone, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Obama's thinking.

---------

Another official stressed that Obama is considering a range of possibilities for the military expansion, and that his eventual decision will cover changes in U.S. approach beyond the addition of troops. The stepped-up training and partnership operation with Afghan forces would be part of that effort, the official said, although expansion of a better-trained Afghan force long has been part of the U.S objective and the key to an eventual U.S. and allied exit from the country.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iqyaF...

[tomm2thumbs]

1. an exit strategy? now why would anyone in the military want one of those??

they've learned to live without them for so long, they may not even recognize it

[Pirate Smile]

3. He seems to be looking for one and they seem to keep forgetting to include it in their plans.

This is the second "final" meeting where the Prez said - these plans suck - give me better plans - how about an end game included.

The Pentagon leaked McChrystal's report to try to box in Obama.

I think at least twice now, including yesterday, the Pentagon has leaked what supposedly is Obama's final plan.

Hey, Pentagon dudes, Obama is not going to play your game. Give him what he asked for.

[tomm2thumbs]

4. yup, and I think he has just enough good guys on his side advising to make it so

I think there are many disgruntled military folks who have seen enough military corporatism to last a lifetime

[mth44sc]

2. There is no "good" option

Tonight we face the obvious. No good options in Afghanistan. No government to support or assume our efforts. Warlords have been willing to hand their support to the highest bidder. No one who has ever been able to "win over" the Afghans. They just bide there time and chip away at the edges. Our only option is the support the old mujahadeen, who are now the Taliban and al qaeda, Like I said - no good option.

We took to the streets to end to Vietnam. What are we willing to do to bring Afghanistan to a close? Osama ain't there ya know.

We can't do shit on HCR - too much money involved. But we could to something about Afghanistan - if we were so inclined...

edit for spelling

[maddezmom]

5. locking

dupe