Obama 'Confident' U.S. Troops Will Win in Afghanistan

[tekisui]

Source:NECN

(NECN: Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan) - President Barack Obama told U.S. forces stationed in Afghanistan that American lives would be at risk if the Taliban regains control of the country, reassuring the troops of their necessity to the safety of the United States.

"If I thought for a minute that America's vital interests were not served, were not at stake right here in Afghanistan, I would order all you home right away," President Obama said. "Your services are absolutely necessary, absolutely essential to America's safety and security. Those folks back home are relying on you."

The president told the roughly 2,500 troops at Bagram Air Field that difficult times will be had in the eight-year-old Afghan War, but that the United States does not quit and the troops will prevail.

"I made a promise to all of you who serve: I will never send you into harm's way unless it's absolutely necessary. I anguish in thinking about the sacrifices that so many of you make," Mr. Obama said, saying that the promise is two-pronged -- he will not send troops into dangerous situations without the tools to succeed.

"You will be backed up by a clear mission, and the right strategy and you will have the support to finish the job, to get the job done," the president said. "I am confident all you will get the job done right here in Afghanistan."

In assuring the troops that they were fighting in the Asian country out of necessity, Mr. Obama harkened back to the cause of the war. On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by suspected al-Qaeda terrorists. Four commercial airplanes were hijacked in attacks that brought down the World Trade Center towers, crashed into the Pentagon and one which was overtaken by the flight's passengers.

"We did not choose this war. This was not an act of America wanting to expand its influence, of use wanting to mettle in somebody else's business," the president said. "We were attacked viciously on 9/11. Thousands of our fellow countrymen and women were killed. This is the region where the purpotrators of that, al-Qaeda crime still base their leadership.

more: http://www.necn.com/03/28/10/Obama-confident-US-troops-will-win-in-Af/landing.html?blockID=205837&feedID=4215

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"American lives would be at risk if the Taliban regains control of the country?" Americans lives are at increasing (doubled) risk in Afghanistan right now.

[LakeSamish706]

1. Win what is what I want to know? How do you win? n/t

[gratuitous]

12. You know, win

Like you win an earthquake. Or a tornado.

[Swamp Rat]

17. That's 'wind'... NOT 'win'...

as in 'reap the whirlwind'

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dYm7eTGGTQk/SYqswIE1BxI/AAAAAAAAAFo/_eDFhGQXfCk/s320/Ethnic+Groups+in+Afghanistan.jpg

[amandabeech]

26. That was my first thought, too.

I'm beginning to think that "win" means clearing the area for and oil and/or gas pipeline.

I can't see any other semi-rational explanation.

Irrational, of course, would be going after the Taleban with no other reason than we haven't beaten them for not giving Bin Laden or Mullah Omar.

Come on, even the DOD says that there are no more than 100 Al Q folks in Afghanistan now.



But as I type, another question comes up.

Win for how long?

[Brickbat]

2. Did he outline what "winning" would look like? Is there a timetable and a plan?

[frylock]

3. We did not choose this war.

yessir, we did choose this war. it's always a disappointment when obama starts talking like bush.

[panader0]

4. As an Obama supporter, I am very troubled by his stance on Afghanistan

The "war" is not winnable. The big US army has had eight years and is not close to winning. And the phrase "absolutely necessary" does not ring true. While the Taliban aren't sweethearts, they pose no threat that would make it "absolutely necessary" to send our troops to die. (and countless innocent Afghanis). Bush dropped the ball on the al Queda threat. We, as a nation, know better now.
Smart missles from USN destroyers in the Persian Gulf could keep the Taliban and al Queda in check. Boots on the ground, more death, more collateral damage, more death ad nauseum won't win anything. Bring our troops home now.

[malaise]

11. + 1,000

There will be no winner here - just losers.

[Nikki Stone1]

21. +1

.

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. *face-palm*

[msongs]

6. he can choose to end it nt

[Obamanaut]

7. "...clear mission, and the right strategy..." The hope-y change-y

part of me is still waiting for that.

[Newest Reality]

8. Just how many years are we talking here, considering

how long this occupation has gone on?

I am extremely disappointed to see this statement to the troops come as a response to sentiments here. The 9/11 justification and rhetoric is certainly not reflecting change.

So, we are to take actions in Afghanistan as an ongoing act of revenge towards a certain group there? A pound of flesh?

[Greyhound]

23. Oh please, this began as a "mission" to protect the pipeline and deny their natural

resources to the Russian and Chinese.

All the ostensible "9/11 goals" were achieved in the first six months, since then it's all about the "contributors".

[mdmc]

9. USA!USA!

[Karmadillo]

10. "We did not choose this war." Breaking!!! Bagram fire dept. alerted! A VIP has their pants on fire!!

nt

[unhappycamper]

13. Give it up Guys.

What's this crap about the 'job'? WTF is the 'job'? 'Win'? 'Victory'? Why are you talking like bushies?

The propaganda does not work - bring them home. Now!

[ixion]

14. *sigh*

How very tragically unfortunate for him to think so. :(

[Swamp Rat]

15. I'm confident in the troops, too, Mr. President. It's the 'Win in Afghanistan' part that bothers me.

[unhappycamper]

16. Hey Swampie!!

How'se it going?

[Swamp Rat]

18. Way'at unhappycamper!

:hi: Happy Sunday! :toast:

I'm multitasking: working, posting, and listening to The Who all at the same time. :D And you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uFcPjILC7k

[unhappycamper]

20. I'm waiting for a crock pot pot roast with dill weed to finish.

Watching a bit of the idiot box and checking in here from time to time. Overall, just a lazy day.

Question - do you ever hear from Brad or Keith anymore?

[Swamp Rat]

25. Don't forget to add the Cayenne Pepper

:9 Well, dat's what we do to spice things up down here.



I haven't seen doze guys in years. Brad's probably off somewhere diggin' up Mayan doodads. :D

[unhappycamper]

27. I use serranos with dill.

I eat hot whenevah I can. Two words: Hell Nite (at the East Coast Grill in Cambridge). :thumbsup:

[Swamp Rat]

28. Ok, I want to go to "Hell Nite" at the East Coast Grill in Cambridge.

If and when I ever geaux back up to Mass. I lived in 'New Hampshah' for a year, but it was too cold fo' dis swamp rat.

... however, we love our beer VERY cold with our ersters and crawfish. :beer:






Someday we gotta have a DU crawfish-seafood 'berl'...

[unhappycamper]

29. Some pics from the ECG:

http://picasaweb.google.com/eastcoastgrill

And their web site: http://www.eastcoastgrill.net/

[Oregone]

19. Goodie. I like winning

Is it like in Golf? You have to have the lowest score? Please someone fill me in. Im going to go get the cake and party hats ready.

[Swamp Rat]

22. LOL!!

"Please someone fill me in." :rofl:

[unhappycamper]

24. The Victory parade is scheduled to start on Wall Street and end on Wall Street.

Raytheon, Dynacorp, L3, Lockheed Grumman, Boeing and Oskosh are scheduled to have rather large floats.