Commandant of Marine Corps questions wisdom of withdrawal plan
Image via WikipediaTHE head of the US marines corps has launched an outspoken attack on Barack Obama's decision to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan next year, claiming the move has handed the Taleban a morale boost.I agree with the commandant and the intercepts he discusses is very revealing. The rationale given for the schedule does not make that much sense and it is really to cover his left flank with those who want to lose the war and come home. The anti war left is the main problem he has to deal with. But the bone he threw them is being chewed on by the Taliban.
The comments by marine corps commandant General James Conway are the bluntest yet by a top military official on President Obama's decision to begin the US pull-out next July.
...
"In some ways, we think right now it is probably giving our enemy sustenance," Gen Conway said yesterday, when asked what impact the president's plan for an early exit was having on the Taleban.
The senior soldier, who is retiring later this year as commandant of the marine corps, said he believed marines would not be in a position to withdraw from the fight in southern Afghanistan for years.
He said: "In fact we've intercepted communications that say, 'Hey, you know, we only need to hold out for so long.'"
Supporters of Mr Obama's July 2011 date to start withdrawing forces claim it gives a clear sign to the Afghan authorities that they need to prepare to take security into their own hands.
However, Gen Conway, quoting one of his own commanders, told reporters: "We can either lose fast or win slow."
...
The BBC also reported the General's comments.
Comments
Post a Comment