Political Bloviation

Maybe once we’re done with the side show in Iraq, we can actually fight the terrorists who attacked us in the first place.

McClatchy Washington Bureau | 07/25/2008 | Commentary: Back to the future in the war on terror
An outgoing American commander said it was his opinion that a total force of more than 400,000 troops — Afghan Army, U.S. forces and NATO troops — would be needed to secure Afghanistan. American and NATO forces total around 50,000. The Afghan Army and national police numbered fewer than 100,000 at the end of 2007.

The late and unlamented Soviet Union sent more than 200,000 soldiers into Afghanistan at the end of 1979. Although they treated all of the country as a free fire zone and forced millions of refugees across the border into Pakistan, in the end the Soviet Army was defeated and retreated.

It’s way past time to begin withdrawing from Iraq and begin reinforcing Afghanistan and find some other way of dealing with Pakistan besides throwing money into the air in Islamabad and hoping that a few million dollars land in the right places.

You’ve done a heckuva job there, George. Pat yourself on the back, and give Dick a hug while you’re at it.

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