Petraeus: Afghan deliberations worthwhile

[snookums1]

President Barack Obama has been criticized for taking too long to decide on the way forward in Afghanistan, much criticized in some circles, but the chief of the U.S. Central Command said the decision-making interim has been a worthwhile vetting of competing views at the top levels of government.

“I think the process has been very good,” Army Gen. David Petraeus told an audience of military cadets, midshipmen and active-duty service members Friday at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington. “There has been very good debate, a very good discussion. … This is the kind of intellectual discourse that you want.”
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/11/military_petraeus_obama_afghanistan_111309w/

[theal3]

I saw him interviewed yesterday. Petraeus is one smart guy, and approves of Obama's approach to problem solving .... it's good news, indeed.

[Lifeguard]

I saw him interviewed yesterday. Petraeus is one smart guy, and approves of Obama's approach to problem solving .... it's good news, indeed.

All Bush supporters, and Bush, himself, used to think Patraeus was a smart guy, and would listen to him, wait for his word on the war issues and strategy. Now, of course, it's all Obama's fault that 100,000, more troops are not over-running Afghanistan, turning Afghanistan into another Vietnam, where over 50,000 of our troops lost their lives under Johnson and Nixon before we learned our lesson.

[snookums1]

Well, he more than anyone, knows the situation. So his opinion on whether we should just jump in without a plan or whether we should view all options and form a plan before making a move is a more informed opinion than the opinion of an armchair soldier. And from what he is saying he appreciates the fact that time is being taken and all options reviewed, not only by Obama but by expert military stratigists as well.

[MercedesV]

I have not trusted Petraeus in years. I've no doubt he is very intelligent and knowledgable. I just don't trust him.

Powell is saying Obama should take the time to make the right decision. Others are saying similar things. Seems only right that all options are examined and discussed and all educated, knowledgeable opinions listened to and discussed.

Back in 06, up until election day we heard we were winning in Iraq, even though the news was horrible and it was clear we weren't. Then, it was what should be done in Iraq. How long did that committee research and compile information before giving their recommendations. And how long after that before Bush decided to do the surge? It took time didn't it.

[snookums1]

I have not trusted Petraeus in years. I've no doubt he is very intelligent and knowledgable. I just don't trust him.

Powell is saying Obama should take the time to make the right decision. Others are saying similar things. Seems only right that all options are examined and discussed and all educated, knowledgeable opinions listened to and discussed.

Back in 06, up until election day we heard we were winning in Iraq, even though the news was horrible and it was clear we weren't. Then, it was what should be done in Iraq. How long did that committee research and compile information before giving their recommendations. And how long after that before Bush decided to do the surge? It took time didn't it. Oh but Mercedes. That was different. :rolleyes:

[theal3]

I have not trusted Petraeus in years. I've no doubt he is very intelligent and knowledgable. I just don't trust him.

Powell is saying Obama should take the time to make the right decision. Others are saying similar things. Seems only right that all options are examined and discussed and all educated, knowledgeable opinions listened to and discussed.

Back in 06, up until election day we heard we were winning in Iraq, even though the news was horrible and it was clear we weren't. Then, it was what should be done in Iraq. How long did that committee research and compile information before giving their recommendations. And how long after that before Bush decided to do the surge? It took time didn't it.

Yes the hearings were in late Summer, Aug/Sept....election Nov. day after Rumsfeld resigned. Bush's decision Jan. of '07.

[tiptop]

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for any president. Tough choice between finishing what we started and pulling our troops out, which would please most Americans.

We must remember that as of now, there is no draft. Our men and women volunteered for duty. They must remember that if they enlist, they could die. It's that simple. While I am not justifying war, we must remember that our military is at the discretion of the President. If he says jump, you jump. The military is not a country club or a vehicle for leisurely cruises around the world. If you are not prepared for the ultimate sacrifice, do not join the military.

[juliekan]

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latest-news/us-8-soldiers-killed-afghanistan-bombings

October 27th, 2009 11:23 AM

KABUL -- A series of powerful bombs killed eight American soldiers and an interpreter in southern Afghanistan Tuesday morning, according to U.S. military officials.

The attacks, which came one day after 14 Americans died in two helicopter crashes here, made October the deadliest month for the U.S. military of the eight-year war.

At least 53 U.S. troops have died this month, with four days left before Nov. 1 and the Taliban insurgency continuing to expand its reach and lethal tactics. The previous monthly high was 51 fatalities, in August of this year.

[beattherap]

I saw him interviewed yesterday. Petraeus is one smart guy, and approves of Obama's approach to problem solving .... it's good news, indeed.
petraeus works for obama and is part of the discussions... what would you expect him to say, 'boy, this has been a waste of time.'

[beattherap]

beattherap .... I'm not sure what you're trying to say here. Let's face it .... ALL Generals "work for" the President. We have seen differences of opinions among those who work closely with the President .... those he listens to. Gen. Petraeus happens to think the President is right in this deliberative process he is exercising. You can't belittle the General by saying BECAUSE he is part of the discussions here, he is just "going along" with what the President is doing.

There ARE people who think the President is doing the right thing, you know.

jmo
you think clinton, gates, petraeus or others in the process would publicly disagree with this months-long deliberations... i think the general saying it's worthwhile is as predictable, and valueless, as boehner or mccain saying it's needless delay.

imo.