Afghanistan: Obama Must Decide Soon

Early November is a busy time. Last-minute hype from candidates begging for votes fills airways and television screens. Politics reach a frenetic crescendo as Americans exercise their right to vote. It is fitting that on Nov. 11, we will stop for a day to honor our veterans who have fought to protect that precious right.

This Veterans Day, President Barack Obama will be headed to Singapore for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. But he did recently speak to about 3,500 sailors, Marines, and other service members at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla. He eloquently expressed his appreciation to these military members for their service and their sacrifices.

Obama had high praise for the troops. He told them: "You inspire me, and I'm here today to deliver a simple message -- a message of thanks to you and your families."

The president also said: "I will never rush the decision of sending you into harm's way. I won't risk your lives unless it's absolutely necessary. And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt, because you deserve the strategy, the clear mission, and defined goals as well as the equipment and support that you need to get the job done."

It's good to know he won't send the folks at NAS Jax into dangerous places without a long, drawn-out decision. But, on the other hand, what of the troops already in harm's way -- those GIs fighting in Afghanistan right now?

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, must be scratching his head over the president's promises of providing "the support you need to get the job done." Back in August, he delivered to the Pentagon an urgent, confidential assessment of the war that outlined a dire need for more forces within the next year. The document plainly stated that without them, the eight-year war "will likely result in failure."

The grim assessment comes from a general who was handpicked for this job by none other than our current president. McChrystal's biography is impressive. A 1976 graduate of West Point, he holds master's degrees in national security and strategic studies and in international relations. He has completed fellowships at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City.

In 2001, he was appointed chief of staff of military operations in Afghanistan. He commanded the Joint Special Operations Forces in theater as well. When it comes to Afghanistan, McChrystal knows and understands the country and the war as very few in Washington do. And he knows (to use the president's own words) what the "strategy, the clear mission, and defined goals" are that will ensure a successful outcome.

McChrystal's approach to winning to this war is two-pronged: Hit the Taliban hard while training Afghan forces and seeking to win the hearts of the Afghan people. He is under no delusion that this will require anything other than a great deal of time and expense. For centuries the Afghan people have been treated as disposable pawns in ongoing conflicts, and they are a cautious people -- desperately poor and leery of trusting anyone. Perhaps the general's plan to gradually win them over has merit.

Back in 2008, when Obama was a presidential candidate, he called Afghanistan "the good war." During the first months of his presidency, his rhetoric continued along the same lines. This spring, he delivered a speech outlining a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, ordered additional troops, and appointed McChrystal to his current post.

Has Obama's position shifted with the fatigue of the American people and the press? Two months have passed since McChrystal's report was presented to the president. There have been countless staff meetings and discussions. Obama has met with just about everyone in Washington who might have a say in the matter. More wearisome than the war, everyone is tiring of the president's indecision. Former Vice President Dick Cheney has accused the president of dithering. Sen. John McCain has urged the president to act -- now.

Obama supporters suggest that the president is being thoughtful and considering all scenarios. His detractors claim that the delay has nothing to do with thoroughness and everything to do with politics. Some say Obama is waiting until after the Nov. 3 elections to announce his decision.

NATO defense ministers support a troop surge. They believe McChrystal can pull off a successful outcome and are willing to provide more troops. What does Obama's indecision say to them about the United States' resolve in fighting this war? Basing global decisions on the outcome of American gubernatorial races may not be the wisest foreign policy strategy.

As the president procrastinates, weary troops continue to hold on -- barely -- to the status quo. The Taliban continue to regroup and grow. And American military families back home continue to wonder and worry about the final number the president will approve.

Will more reserves be called up? Will deployments be extended? Will the president throw in the towel and bring them all home? Whatever his decision, knowing will be far easier to deal with than the questions that remain unanswered.

Contact Robin Beres at (804) 649-6305 or .