On Monday’s CBS Early Show, co-host Harry Smith glossed over President Obama’s indecision over sending more troops to Afghanistan by describing it this way: “...there are so many moving parts in this part of the world. And here is President Obama in this long contemplation about what to do next in Afghanistan with our troops.”
Smith discussed the war in Afghanistan with the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, Richard Haass, who was equally happy to mask Obama’s inaction in thoughtful terms:
He’s really got his own dynamic in Afghanistan and I think you’re going to see everything slow down on decision making. In part because of the winter, there’s no real urgency to get more troops in right now. Also the administration has already signaled they want to see what happens internally in Afghanistan, whether there’s new elections, more important, what kind of government is formed. So I think the administration’s going to hold back sending more troops for quite a while.
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Smith followed up by asking Haass: “There’s been so much written about this decision, the Vietnam model, is this Obama’s Vietnam? Is it that or is it something else entirely?” Haass replied: “Well, it’s nothing of that scale yet, but it has become Barack Obama’s central foreign policy decision. He’s got to decide if he’s going to introduce tens of thousands more troops.”
Haass then began listing the uncertainties in Afghanistan as excuses for Obama’s “contemplation”:
Again, he’s holding back, in part because the United States has a very flawed partner, in part, that the advocates who – of sending in more troops haven’t yet made the case, will doing more accomplish more? Not clear. Is what happens in Afghanistan that central to the global struggle against terror? Not clear. And where you began, its not even clear that what happens in Afghanistan is all that central to Pakistan. So you have to ask yourself what scale of commitment do we want to make? The administration’s deciding that.
Smith responded: “And ultimately if any of that has so much to do with our day to day safety where we live.” Haass finally stressed the importance of the war: “Well, for sure. You know, 9/11 is a reminder that what happens there – it’s not Las Vegas – it doesn’t stay there. It could come here, we’ve go to think about that.”
Here is a full transcript of the segment:
7:08AMHARRY SMITH: As President Obama meets this week with military leaders to determine which path to take in Afghanistan, we’re joined by Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations. Good morning.
RICHARD HAASS: Morning, Harry.
SMITH: Such an interesting week this past week, especially the last several weeks in Pakistan, with all of these attacks, Taliban attacks, on Pakistani military institutions, on civilian institutions, on U.N. institutions, so finally the Pakistani military is fighting back in a big way. Can they – do we have enough faith in their ability to really crush the Taliban as we know it? Right here in Waziristan, this kind of no-man’s land.
RICHARD HAASS: The short answer is no. The Pakistani military simply doesn’t have enough relevant capability, it’s not clear, also, how strong their commitment is. There’s not going to be a decisive battle here. This is part of a longer struggle that’s going to be messy, if you will, in its outcome.
SMITH: Right. And some of the Taliban commanders have said ‘well we’ve got them just where we want them, we want the Pakistan military in the mountains chasing us around all winter long.’
HAASS: They could well have that and the Pakistani military’s not well suited for that. The Pakistani military was largely designed for a conventional war against India. Now they’re fighting an unconventional war against radicals in their own territory. My hunch is they’re not going to fair very well.
SMITH: And the reason we bring this up is because there are so many moving parts in this part of the world. And here is President Obama in this long contemplation about what to do next in Afghanistan with our troops. How does that affect what his decision is going to be?
HAASS: Not centrally. He’s really got his own dynamic in Afghanistan and I think you’re going to see everything slow down on decision making. In part because of the winter, there’s no real urgency to get more troops in right now. Also the administration has already signaled they want to see what happens internally in Afghanistan, whether there’s new elections, more important, what kind of government is formed. So I think the administration’s going to hold back sending more troops for quite a while.
SMITH: There’s been so much written about this decision, the Vietnam model, is this Obama’s Vietnam? Is it that or is it something else entirely?
HAASS: Well, it’s nothing of that scale yet, but it has become Barack Obama’s central foreign policy decision. He’s got to decide if he’s going to introduce tens of thousands more troops. Again, he’s holding back, in part because the United States has a very flawed partner, in part, that the advocates who – of sending in more troops haven’t yet made the case, will doing more accomplish more? Not clear. Is what happens in Afghanistan that central to the global struggle against terror? Not clear. And where you began, its not even clear that what happens in Afghanistan is all that central to Pakistan. So you have to ask yourself what scale of commitment do we want to make? The administration’s deciding that.
SMITH: And ultimately if any of that has so much to do with our day to day safety where we live.
HAASS: Well, for sure. You know, 9/11 is a reminder that what happens there – it’s not Las Vegas – it doesn’t stay there. It could come here, we’ve go to think about that.
SMITH: Richard Haass, as always, we do appreciate it. Thank you so much.
—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Haass, the word "dynamic"
October 19, 2009 - 13:44 ET by HockeyKidHaass, the word "dynamic" implies movement. To say that Uhbama has his own dynamic relative to Afghanistan policy is like saying the Washington Monument has its own dynamic relative to the Capitol Building.
"Beauty is only skin deep, but liberal's to the bone." - me
"Obama's Big Decision"
October 19, 2009 - 14:12 ET by notonmywatch"Obama's Big Decision" banner @ bottom of screen.
VOMIT, VOMIT, VOMIT.
Sorry. Propaganda making me sick.
___________________________________________________________
Graphical conservative commentary - animations & pictures for posting on forums: http://ubama.org/chu...
Right Harriet - no real reason - EXCEPT MORE SOLDIERS DYING
October 19, 2009 - 13:47 ET by SickofLibsGawd, do I freakin' hate this erudite little traitor.
Hmmmmmmmm.
October 19, 2009 - 13:48 ET by BourbeauI wonder why it took the President and his people nine months to figure this out. I wonder why, if he thought the winter months were a hurdle, he did not act on the McChrystal report sooner. After all, it sat on Gate's desk for five weeks before it got leaked. I wonder why, considering their apprehension w/the Afghan elections, they including the UN, didn't demand more scrutiny and security for the elections. Sounds to me, again, that the President has a problem priortizing his decision making process and has upended himself by permitting the climate health care bills to be his focal point, versus the economy and foreign affairs. Sounds like one big dose of inexperience to me; maybe he can change the subject by focusing on disemboweling Fox News.
Hmmmmmmmm.
October 19, 2009 - 14:08 ET by matthewdeanDOTUS (D=ditherer) is where he is so that he may receive glory, love, and adulation.
Work?
WTF is that?
Make a decision?
Huh?
MD
"I may not agree with what your bumper sticker says, but I will defend to the death your right to stick it." (Unknown)
Start flying in 40,000 now!
October 19, 2009 - 14:07 ET by upcountrywaterHow long will it take before 40,000 young Americans are ready to fight on the ground, way over there?
After the gear has been put in place, food, clothing, shelter, hummers, helicoptors, FUEL, guns and ammo?
How many runways are there in the winter camping paradise called Afganistan?
I'm talking 10,000 ft secure runway(s)?
State controlled health care is Tort Reform.
Sadly it is not so simple
October 20, 2009 - 08:41 ET by BDSadly it is not so simple anymore. Before a unit goes into theater it has to go through a significant series of work-ups to prepare at the NTC, CMTC, or JRTC that can last six months. It prepares a unit to act as a team.
So, if we make the decision now, we will see troops arriving middle of next year.
He has to stall on more troops.
October 19, 2009 - 14:08 ET by Willis_Leon_JohnsonThe more troops that die in Afghanistan, the more public opinion will turn against it.
THEN he can justify pulling the remaining troops out, leaving all the military hardware behind for the terrorists to collect and use against the United States and her allies.
The (p) resident is actively committing treason, with the willing media providing all the cover he needs.
http://gjresult.com
...and blame the casualties
October 19, 2009 - 16:12 ET by mattm...and blame the casualties on Bush.
grrr
October 19, 2009 - 14:09 ET by katainkentquit obsessively reviewing your polls numbers and get the job done.
____________________________________________
The Emperor, he has no clothes
Obama's long contemplation:
October 19, 2009 - 14:10 ET by mattm"Uhhh, it's the right war....um uhhh....to bash Bush with...but, umm....since, uhhhhh, victory is not a term, uhhh....I'd, that is, uhhhh....what I mean to say, uh, is......uh, can you get that...uhh...just move it up...uh, there, that's it....uh, now, where was I? Uh Oh yeah, I don't think we should, uh....think in terms of victory. Uhhh, but then if we do nothing, uhhh, people will ask about thei, uhhh...."right war" business....and if we take, uh ...military action, uh...then I uh...might have to give my Nobel prize back...and that's something I don't think I'd be willing to do....Uhhh but people need to be assured that, uhh...we are doing everything we can to reach a satisfactory conclusion to this...ummm...conflict. WHo's up for some hoops?"
Maybe Afghans voted for CHANGE
October 19, 2009 - 14:12 ET by ekslibbecause things were going so poorly in Afghanistan.
Maybe things were going so poorly in Afganistan because Obama let conditions deteriorate.
Maybe more people would have voted for Karzai if Obama had made the decision (before the election) to send more troops.
Maybe Obama wanted Karzai to lose the election.
Obama's "long contemplation" = FAILURE
October 19, 2009 - 15:11 ET by Ten7sObama made the decision 6 months ago when Obama changed top Generals in Afghanistan from Gen. McKiernan to Gen. McChrystal, thereby putting an aggressive strategy in place. Now the only quesion is will Obama stand behind the decision he made! Or will Obama FAIL, and further wreck Our Nation. Obama is OUT OF TIME, logistics dictate that the needed men and material be in route at this very moment. Obama's "long contemplation" = FAILURE.
Media mgt. & owners:
October 19, 2009 - 14:17 ET by MaximusBraveheartMedia mgt. & owners: Question - Why don't you fire your lib employees & hire people like Fox has? Be fair to both sides but feel free to point out when HISTORY and FACTS do not support the other side. Right now you make up lies to smear conservative ideas. How about presenting facts that tear down liberal theology? Like welfare HURTS those that are dependent on it. That jobs are dependant on lower energy costs. Educate the public on the Constitution and the PROPER roll of government. Also what history has taught. How HAS socialism worked for other countries? Report stuff that is important to the survival of a USA that we would care to live in. RATINGS would go up because you would be providing a service Americans are interested in. No ratings with your liberal one sided propaganda! Not just propaganda but supporting failed ideas! We just don't get that! Why not look at things objectively and not based on BS liberal theology? Where is the separation of Liberal & Green Religion movement and State? M-B
Long Contemplation?
October 19, 2009 - 14:21 ET by srqvetMore like mental constipation!
When it all comes shooting
October 19, 2009 - 14:26 ET by MaximusBraveheartWhen it all comes shooting out it is going to get NASTY! Socialism on steroids will be next. I hope the USA does not "return to its own vomit." Clean up in aisle 1600!
Simple Git-R-Done and FAST! What choice is there really? Why drag it out like VN? Play to win the war since we depend on it. It IS national security!
M-B
Ewww
October 19, 2009 - 14:26 ET by srqvetDidn't need that visual. <grin>
Obummer needs a healthy mental dose of Colon Blow.
→ Long contemplation
October 19, 2009 - 14:23 ET by Cool ArrowThis sounds eerily similar to the long hours of "agonizing" MacNamara and Johnson endured during the dark days of the Vietnam war.
I'm thinking we're getting the cut&run signal.
Give me immortality, or give me death - firesign
"because it is winter there
October 19, 2009 - 14:27 ET by buddyc"because it is winter there is no urgency". CLASSIC!
Do you recall the allegations that Bush did not send more troops when they thought they had UBL in the high mountains? Even though the military said that winter was arriving and by the time the troops got there winter would prevent their effective use. Liberals didn't accept that explanation.
Winter effects
October 19, 2009 - 15:16 ET by CO2MakerIn winter, the air is heavier from the cold. Bullets travel slower and shatter more easily beause they are cold. Obama can take his Harry time and contemplate his naval forces, I'm sure. It's not as if the 4-star generals know more about prosecuting a war than a 200-day senator and Nobel Peace Prize winner does.
Since it looks like there
October 19, 2009 - 14:32 ET by BuffNBoneSince it looks like there is going to be a redo on the Karzai election, can we get one here too?
"Fighters are fun but bombers make policy"
Too Long Contemplation
October 19, 2009 - 14:35 ET by CobraManHasn't Obama been "contemplating" this since he started campaigning for President?
I do remember him telling us, back in 2008, that "The Afghan government needs to do more. But we have to understand that the situation is precarious and urgent here in Afghanistan. And I believe this has to be our central focus, the central front, on our battle against terrorism."
I also remember that he issued a statement, once again back in 2008, along with Senator's Hagel and Reed, which stated "We need a sense of urgency and determination. We need urgency because the threat from the Taliban and al Qaeda is growing and we must act; we need determination because it will take time to prevail. But with the right strategy and the resources to back it up, we will get the job done."
So, Obama, where's your sense of urgency now that your President? Where's you determination to prevail? has the actual pressures of command forced you to rethink your strategy of increasing troop strengths, as you advocated back in 2008, or is there pressure from your liberal base that is forcing you to "contemplate" again what you've already decided was necessary? Inquiring minds want to know.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
Obama sure sounded decisive about Afghanistan BEFORE
October 19, 2009 - 14:44 ET by OxyCon....taking office. He was running his mouth off about all foreign policy affairs as if he was the one and only true expert on foreign affairs.
Now that he's in the big chair, he ain't flapping his jaws and strutting around so much.
Good thing for him that his media accolytes always portray him in a postive light regardless of how many times they have to shift postions and reality in order to do so.
Comtemplate this Mr. Nobel
October 19, 2009 - 14:44 ET by Gary HallFor years most of the world had not really paid much attention to the void left behind after the imperialist Soviets withdrew from their effort to conquer Afghanistan for themselves.
During the latter part of void, the mid-late 90's, the Taliban took control of much of Afghanistan. The world knew what was taking place. Indeed, there were little chats of aid, occasional covert actions took place; the humanitarian community was taking note as were women's rights groups - but there would be no Nobelesque worthy effort among the world's leaders to actually address the carnage.
Even as the dark days of Sep't 11, 2001 approached, we were occasionally receiving rather horrid accounts of the reality on the ground in Afghanistan - but few were paying attention.
The national MSM should reflect - they had taken note:
Who can not understand that if Mr. Nobel continues to contemplate, or if he makes the unfortunate decision that this adolescent and niave contemplation seems destined to result in, exactly what will return to Afghanistan.
They'll make a deal with you, Mr. President - and then, the next day, they will cut your throat. Now go out and earn your Nobel Peace prize - bring peace to these long-suffering human beings.
(;~/ gary
Afghanistan and their self-interest
October 19, 2009 - 14:48 ET by KC MulvilleThe trick to a counterinsurgency strategy is to convince the locals that your enemy is also their enemy. The trick is to show the locals that it's in their self-interest to come to us.
Here's what gets me: these are answerable questions. They should already know the answers. A delay only makes sense if you're still trying to gather information. But it seems to me that they should have answered this already. And if they've answered it, there should be no more delay. Unless you're trying to starve them over the winter. Or trying to give the troops time to rest before sending them into that kind of deployment. Those delays I could understand ... but the military (who would benefit from it if true) doesn't want that. They want deployment now.
The delay is what makes no sense to me. Deployment has good arguments. Non-deployment has good arguments. But hovering between decisions ... that makes no sense to me. Make a decision and get on with it.
Afghanistan
October 19, 2009 - 16:47 ET by matthewdeanAll good points, KC.
Kinda underscores the absolute idiocy of the Obama/Holdren take on the necessity of currently "investigating" (read F-*k over) the CIA.
Sure glad the maroons at least picked a time of relative international quiet, relatively speaking. (Sahr-kaz-m, much).
MD
"I may not agree with what your bumper sticker says, but I will defend to the death your right to stick it." (Unknown)
Investigations
October 19, 2009 - 17:17 ET by KC MulvilleExcellent point - does anyone think the CIA is going to bend over backwards now?
Backwards?
October 19, 2009 - 17:20 ET by BKeyserNo, not backwards...
In part because of the
October 19, 2009 - 14:58 ET by Dan The Man 2In part because of the winter, there’s no real urgency to get more troops in right now.
It seems to me it would be a great time to move in troops and plan strategies. It takes time to move in troops and logistical support for them. Harry is a dunce. Winter would also be a good time to set up forward bases and dig in. I hear winters can be really brutal and with the coming ice age even more so.
Know how to keep a Troll in suspense? Ill tell ya in the morning.
Decoder
October 19, 2009 - 15:13 ET by slickwillie2001Liberal -contemplative
Conservative -indecisive
CINC
October 19, 2009 - 15:36 ET by srqvetOBummer, as the Commander in Chief, should be charged with dereliction of duty for his putting around the green on Afghanistan. This man-child is dangerous to the lives of our brave women and men serving our country. Throw the bums out!
srqvet...Obama is creating
October 19, 2009 - 16:07 ET by celatorsrqvet...Obama is creating his very own Vietghanistan, and we are all paying close attention. This is the event that will bring him down and make him cry momma.
It will wipe that cheesy smile off his face real quick. Watch and see.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
celator
October 19, 2009 - 16:35 ET by srqvetIn all of my being I hope you are wrong. All loss of life is a tragedy. However, the losses are even worst when the sacrifice is for naught. What a waste.
I found the perfect gift for
October 19, 2009 - 15:42 ET by buddycI found the perfect gift for Harry Smith on saturday on sale at Oshmans. I bought and mailed to Harry Smith C/O CBS a set of knee pads. I am sure he will get a lot of use out of them.
Deja vu all over again?
October 19, 2009 - 15:55 ET by another_old_veteranRemember what happened to the Russians? United States Stinger missles ruined their attempts to conqueor the 'enemy'.
Substitute Iranian IEDs for Stinger and the U.S. for Russians.
If we 'dig in' it better be on high ground rather than is a gully like the latest debacle.
The Democratic party makes the Keystone Cops look like a precision drill team and 'their' Congress wins the Rube Goldberg award.
While Obama is in his
October 19, 2009 - 16:03 ET by celatorWhile Obama is in his Buddha contemplation mode relative to Afghanistan, the least Smith and Haass could do is to go to one of the northwest provinces of Afghanistan and wait for a decision.
There they could wait under a tree for the Great One Obama to resolve his inner conflicts and struggle with his decision about "what to do, what to do?".
I would give both of these duds a nice plastic sword and a fine pair of combat boots to protect themselves, of course.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
Obama's only "dynamic" in Ashcanistan is that he is losing it
October 19, 2009 - 16:35 ET by R D HelmIf he isn't willing to do what it takes to win it outright, he needs to get our people the hell out of there.
We have seen this movie before.
-Dave
Another instructional guide for democrats
October 19, 2009 - 16:41 ET by BKeyserThis one is rather old (not the photoshop, I just did this one today)- its the concept that democrats use most often in decision-making. In this case, it comes in a full-length (one-page) textbook available for purchase just in time for the Christmas rush. I'm sure it'll get a great review by the NYT...
Well here is my take on Afgan policy
October 19, 2009 - 21:11 ET by dark_dsOk this is what I think is going on .. I think the recent elevation of Joe Biden is that they are going to adopt his theory and policy ... it will appease the left ... it will blow up and then Biden will be the scapegoat ..he is being setup ... Obama has no desire to WIN anywhere
_______ Him and the Unicorn he rode in on
Oh yah, thats right...
October 19, 2009 - 21:26 ET by nan101As long as Obama's relatives or friends aren't being killed there, it will be long contemplation.
My disdain and absolute anger burns so deeply for obama, he is so harmful to our nation and the brave souls that are willing to give their very life for our freedom.
He is gutting our constitution and the very fabric in which this country was founded.
We need to wake up and stand up and find strong leaders and hold all others accountable. It is we the people, we forget they work for us...not the other way around.
I work with many men and women who serve and do their tours, and I have to say, every minute we are in this war with obama as the commander in chief I worry about my friends and co-workers.
This has become vietnam...and we know how that turned out.
If God is for you, who can stand against you.
Thanks to all of you who have served and are serving our country for my freedom and all americans and the illegals should be thanking you also. God Bless you all
Judgement Day Nov, 2 - 2010 - Glenn Beck speaks for me!!!
It's Down to a Crawl
October 19, 2009 - 21:45 ET by Lee Boggs"I think you’re going to see everything slow down on decision making."
What! Huh?
Can it get any slower?
"I think you’re going to
October 19, 2009 - 21:46 ET by Lee Boggs"I think you’re going to see everything slow down on decision making."
Good things lives are not on the line. (sarcasm)
"long contemplation".
October 19, 2009 - 22:52 ET by RR GOP"long contemplation". Hm. I thought it was just that he doesn't really want to take out the Muslim terrorists. Could I have been mistaken?
I think the Germans should send more guys in...and the French as it is a NATO thing (supposedly) after all.
My German brothers had no problem in sending, what, 130 divisions into the Soviet Union and Napoleon probably 600,000 against Czar Alexander.
Sad to see once proud nations become ball-less in a relatively short period of time...but our self-emasculation has occured in an even shorter time span, so I shouldn't be too hard on the Europeans...they've been de-balled by the Marxists sooner than we have is all. Just had to wait for the Leftist baby-boomers to "grow up" and go to college.
Actually, they wouldn't need 45,000 more troops if they were allowed to fight these terrorists using the kind of force that the enemy understands and respects. Pussy-footing around doesn't work. Believe we've seen that in Iraq if not previous wars.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
'Splain that GG GOP!
October 19, 2009 - 23:34 ET by Willis_Leon_JohnsonAre you implying that we are not fighting to WIN, but just putting on a show about how much nicer we are in war?
Are you saying that if we turn the military loose and let them act like they intend to WIN, we might actually WIN?
What a revolutionary concept. How come nobody came up with a plan like that in warsheentun? Too much pubic educated/indoctrinated fools with no clue?
http://gjresult.com
Whatcha talking about,
October 19, 2009 - 23:46 ET by RR GOPWhatcha talking about, Willis...I didn't say "we" don't want to succeed in Afghanistan, I was referring to the Communist in Chief and his crew up in Washington.
Don't confuse "we" with "them".
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
In my own sarcastic way
October 20, 2009 - 08:12 ET by Willis_Leon_JohnsonI was pointing out that Americans want to win.
In fact Americans require winning wars.
democrats and nearly all other congress critters look at the military as a political tool to use for their own pleasure.
Want to boost their score in the polls? Send in the military and let them kick a little ass once in a while.
Want to turn public opinion away from war, let the military dangle on a rope, and let the rope get shot away slowly.
Let 30% of the troops get killed, blame it on the commanders, bring them home, and abandon the weapons for the enemy to recover and use against us in the next little dustup caused by congress that needs higher ratings in the polls.
And no, my friend, I was not attacking you.
http://gjresult.com
SOBama and his "decision making"?
October 19, 2009 - 23:33 ET by DelsaSOBama is only getting our military killed.
He has no plan and is pulling away from the plan his General laid out months ago for the United States.
The elections have nothing to do with what we do in Afghanistan and to suggest is should is nothing short of murder.
OUR TROOPS are at war! They should have everything they need to win! They should get everything they ask for and nothing less!
The news of money earmarked for our troops being diverted to a Kennedy something or other, speeks volumes as to what SOBama, this administration, and the Democrats think of our military.
Viet Nam all over again.
Screw SOBama et al
October 20, 2009 - 09:26 ET by jessieHSmith is an ignorant ass. Our troops are dying over there, but he thinks obama is a dynamic contemplator? Yea, he'll contimplate instead of acting. That's some president we have here. He wants to wait till it is too late. I guess he hasn't found a way to blame Bush, yet.