Breaking: Obama rejects all current troop options on Afghanistan?
posted at 9:55 pm on November 11, 2009 by Allahpundit
Alternate headline: “Obama votes present.”
President Barack Obama does not plan to accept any of the Afghanistan war options presented by his national security team, pushing instead for revisions to clarify how and when U.S. troops would turn over responsibility to the Afghan government, a senior administration official said Wednesday.
That push follows strong reservations about a possible troop buildup expressed by the U.S. ambassador in Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, according to a second top administration official.
The Times actually saw this coming this morning, before the national security meeting, when it quoted one participant in the meeting as saying, “He’s simply not convinced yet that you can do a lasting counterinsurgency strategy if there is no one to hand it off to.” I can only assume that means he’s leaning towards some sort of benchmark system by which progress in reducing corruption in the Afghan government and training the Afghan army will determine how many U.S. troops are deployed. The reasonable way to do that would be to give McChrystal what he wants up front and then start pulling people out if Karzai drags his feet, but that seems unlikely if The One has rejected all possible options up front. If he decides to deploy troops piecemeal, in gradual installments depending upon whether the Afghans show progress, then he runs into the problem identified by Fred Kagan here. And of course, threatening Karzai with pulling the entire force out is a non-starter. No one believes he’ll do that; the Times has an entire piece tonight devoted to calling his bluff about it. Exit question: How much longer?
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Simpletons who deliver stirring oratory while reading a teleprompter seldom have any original ideas as to how to address the world’s problems.
BHO is no exception.
All the “puppet-masters” pulling the strings behind their “president” are just as ignorant. They have no clue, and are willing to sacrifice the Constitution to gain political leverage, no matter the cost.
Make no mistake, they ARE TRAITORS!
But the spoon-fed, blind, bleating sheep masses will follow these buffoons off a cliff.
Sigh…………
bannedbyhuffpo on November 11, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I saw Rahm’s mug in a sit room photo on special report this pm
cmsinaz on November 11, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Thanks for keeping our back, Friend.
Liam on November 11, 2009 at 10:20 PM
I can just imagine what he was mumbling as he put the wreath on the Unknown Soldier today. Probably something to the effect of: “I could be golfing right now….”
He could give a DAMN about those soldiers in Afghanistan.
portlandon on November 11, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Duh One doubles down on the dithering. I read or heard someone say (Mark Steyn?), “To radical Islam, weakness is an invitation.” Thanks, Barry, for inviting them to strike again. This country needs another 911 like a freakin’ hole in the head.
smellthecoffee on November 11, 2009 at 10:20 PM
That was an excuse for Obama to dither. Corruption is rampant in Afghanistan, and that is not going to change any time soon.
ICBM on November 11, 2009 at 10:21 PM
stay safe hawkdriver
cmsinaz on November 11, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Obama is a surrender monkey. It’s as simple as that.
Dave R. on November 11, 2009 at 10:21 PM
He has to resign as soon as Sarah Picks him to be her running mate. He is getting valuable info about the enemy right now.
Amadeus on November 11, 2009 at 10:21 PM
At this point…and I hate to say this!…I am for pulling out. Not because it’s good for America…it’s a disaster that makes Vietnam look like a speed bump. But Ogabe is determined to lose this war now…he only cares about how it affects him personally and politically and he’s even got that wrong (surprise, surprise!).
But since I now know this is going to be a failure, I want every one of those American patriots home alive…as many as we can save…we’ll need them in the days and years to come. This ride is going to be much worse than I thought…and there is nobody who thought Ogabe was going to be a domestic and foreign policy disaster for a nation more than I did.
AUINSC on November 11, 2009 at 10:21 PM
I wouldn’t have believed it… This is soooo good for the defeat of socialism. I really thought that Obama would capitalize on the opportunity to to get rid of the soft on defense stigma associated with his party. But this is stupid. He really believes this pacifist crap. He’s a sitting duck.
The only question is, do the Republican’s recognize it and understand how to pull the trigger?
elfman on November 11, 2009 at 10:22 PM
In my best Will Smith impersonation: “Oh Hell no!”
Patrick S on November 11, 2009 at 10:22 PM
I work for Walmart at the Home Office in Bentonville and one of the great perks we have is the number of celebrities and VIPs that regularly come to speak. Today, Veterans Day, was no exception.
Today we were visited by Marcus Luttrell a real American hero who when telling his story of ambush, combat, survival, teamwork and our enemy didn’t pull any punches.
His story was the true story of an American hero.
One of the most interesting things he said is something we never hear in the MSM. He told us that it was easy to determine if someone was Taliban or a simple villager because Taliban leaders had straight teeth and spoke English. He said he asked one of the Taliban how he had learned such good English to which the Taliban leader replied “at Florida State”. He said it was not uncommon for Taliban leadership to have been educated in the West. The Western educated Taliban leaders they captured could just as easily have joined our armed forces as Hasan did.
The enemy is in our midst.
DerKrieger on November 11, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Allah — Are you not screening for obscenities?
publiuspen on November 11, 2009 at 10:22 PM
OMG….
And why is this coming out on Veterans Day?
And the fact Obama is going to be in Alaska in about 10 hours… yuck and people here are ticked off.
Can we say anti-obama rally?
upinak on November 11, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Barrack-Obama-Lied:
Mmmmmmm, Mmmm,Mmmm,Mmmm,
DemokRATen, DemokRATen über alles,
Über alles in der Welt.
Mmmmmmm, Mmmm,Mmmm,Mmmm
Knott Buyinit on November 11, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Obama must think that his approval rating of 46% is too high./sarc
If he makes a decision to not send any additional troops, OR if he decides to pull out, he is going to get clobbered in the media and his poll numbers will drop like a leaded balloon.
This man is a danger to America.
smartsy on November 11, 2009 at 10:23 PM
You’ve got to be kidding me. :(
Sapwolf on November 11, 2009 at 10:23 PM
I wish I had more time to post today. I know two things though. This waffling over the most crucial decision this man has to make is demoralizing. I think about one of my crew getting hurt today and I ask myself, is the sacrifice going to be worth it or are we wasting our time now because of this man playing politics with the war.
And Ann, I’m convinced you’re an donk operative who is paid to try to guide discussion here towards the liberal end.
hawkdriver on November 11, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Obama is an epic fail, of historical proportions.
Liam on November 11, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Everything Obama does is deliberate, the timing was not an accident.
Damn, I remember hearing something about the “Adults are in charge now”… Where the Hell are they!!?
WhoU4 on November 11, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Another great reason to pretend to be a Democrat who supports Hillary for 2012!
JohnJ on November 11, 2009 at 10:23 PM
What a fracking fiasco.
Imagine Obama as President on 8 December 1941: “We need to deliberate about this before we jump to any conclusions. I have it on very good authority that the Japanese just got lost during a routine training mission. Indeed, they’ve informed us that they think they spotted Amelia Earhardt, and we are searching for her now.”
BuckeyeSam on November 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I’ve got to hand it to the president. He is really, really painted into a corner on this one–both politically and morally.
There is one square on the board that he can move and stay safe, and that is the square of morality–he must make a strong moral and courageous case for any decision he makes.
That is, if he can make a moral case. How deep into an empty suit must you reach before you can make one of those?
ted c on November 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Personnally,
I believe, Team Obama and Team Liberal litterally want
Afghanistan to be allowed to fall apart,emplode under its
own weight!
Think about it,Obama was elected on pulling the troops out!
He was elected to END THE WARS!!
Obama is in a real political pickle!!
He has the Anti-War Moonbats breathing down his neck to
do what Liberals do best,they always pull out before the
job ever gets started!!
And,HawkDriver says,(ROE) Rules of Engagement have changed!
The Liberal Party wants a VeiteNam all over again,and with
the State unned Media,who do you think they’ll blame!!
Team Obama has made it clear,that they think the Afghanistan
election was fraud,and thats awfully rich,and a lot of nerve
considering how this last Presidential election worked out i
n America!!
So Obama doesn’t trust Hamis Karzai,more stalling!!
And,speaking of this latest terrorist attack,and letting
Afghanistan go to hell in a handbasket,
its DeJavu all over again!!!!
As predicted!!
Lesson learned,the Liberal Party has no Foreign Policy
and zero National Security Policies either!
Hell,Liberals can’t even run America!!
canopfor on November 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I would like to see Ed’s response to this news IF IT IS TRUE- a couple of days back there was a post discussing an article on Asia Times which basically claimed that Pakistan had convinced Obama to pressure Abdullah Abdullah to stand down in the Afghan elections – the reason ?
The Paki military has “promised” to “mediate” between the Taliban and the US so that you guys can withdraw in “honor and victory”. That “victory” wouldnt come if a non-Pashtun and a openly pro-India Abdullah became the Afghan President. And if there is no “victory” how could the US leave Afghanistan ?
Ed scoffed at that article – but he may want to revisit that. In fact given the way Obama has dithered, isnt it now an open secret now that he WANTS TO DO NOTHING with this war- other than retreat ?
Put your hand on your heart and ask yourself – are you surprised that Obama has done everything to signal that he wants to wind the American involvement in this conflict down?
How long does it take to decide on putting troops in a place where the US had taken its eye off, according to Obama?
You know what the correct comic character equivalent for Obama is ? Its not the Joker – IMHO, its TwoFace.
nagee76 on November 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM
That was an excuse for Obama to dither. Corruption is rampant in Afghanistan, and that is not going to change any time soon.
ICBM on November 11, 2009 at 10:21 PM
AnninCA on November 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Sheesh! Even Millard Filmore did better than Obama
Liam on November 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM
You betcha. I am livid about this. Who is running the country? Where are the Fu**ing adults?
He did this on Veterans Day as a big middle finger to the American Soldiers. I have NO doubt.
portlandon on November 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Thank you for doing what you do.
publiuspen on November 11, 2009 at 10:24 PM
It’s putting the monkey wrench in his war on Fox.
Now that Beck is back, that is worth 40,000 troops diverted to NYC ASAP.
Sapwolf on November 11, 2009 at 10:25 PM
You need to stop being so damned right all the time, princess.
Liam on November 11, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Just skip over my posts, hawk. You’ll be happier. :)
AnninCA on November 11, 2009 at 10:26 PM
DerKrieger on November 11, 2009 at 10:22 PM
wow that’s cool. I read his book and have been to the area in AF where he was at.
did you know some toolbag shot luttrell’s dog a few months back.
ted c on November 11, 2009 at 10:26 PM
This is Obama’s Vietnam…
… you just know Obama was sitting in the meeting thinking about what he was going to have for diner, or what he was planing on doing in Asia.
Seven Percent Solution on November 11, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Reading People Magazine, no doubt. Talk about a fish out of water.
BuckeyeSam on November 11, 2009 at 10:26 PM
The American deaths that will come as a result of this decision far outweigh any political gain.
If only one word could be used to describe this President, demoralizing would be it.
BadgerHawk on November 11, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Dumb. Karzai will be leader regardless of whether of Obama is president or not. Karzai could change the rules, declare himself Dear Leader and the Afghanistan people wouldn’t bat an eye. We haven’t changed them. They prefer camels to air conditioning. Obama is the only one with independent military supportin’ voters to lose.
Socmodfiscon on November 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Should be Vietnam,not VeiteNam,and Hamis should be Hamid,
and Runned media,not unned!Ugh,botched my spelling real good!
canopfor on November 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
I wonder if this decision is complicated by his meeting with Netinyahu?
-5 sp i know
Amadeus on November 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Easy, there, princess. I got your back.
Liam on November 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
he will not announce til he gets his peace prize
ginaswo on November 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Compared to Obamacare, the cost of this war is pocket change.
Sapwolf on November 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
Like I said here, four weeks ago. He was never going to stay. Coward is as coward does. Anyone with a world view that blames America first would never stand up and fight. Think Bill Ayers.
Starlink on November 11, 2009 at 10:28 PM
1973 President Nixon: Peace with Honor
2009 President Obama: ….Uhm….Uh..Do over?
portlandon on November 11, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I am sure you do. Princess.
upinak on November 11, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Absolute moral authority.
No sarcasm. Godspeed, hawkdriver.
BuckeyeSam on November 11, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Ad I’m being polite here…
Liam on November 11, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Maybe it’s a feint? This administration is known for changing its mind faster than the media can keep up.
JohnJ on November 11, 2009 at 10:29 PM
It’s very revealing to see what happens when one who lacks a moral compass is called upon to make a moral decision.
ted c on November 11, 2009 at 10:30 PM
No, your comments are the very ones to be refuted. It’s like direct ops against the White House.
PS Save your fucking smiley faces too. This shit aint funny anymore. Maybe you think it’s a hoot typing at your computer like you’re discussing events at a wine party, but men are dying here.
hawkdriver on November 11, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Shouldn’t he start that here in the United States too. The corruption of our government is ridiculous. Oh wait, that is how they like it and we are to stupid to figure it out.
truetexan on November 11, 2009 at 10:30 PM
JohnJ
as a real Dem who supports Hill, I doubt she would even consider anything before 2016
Romney/Palin 12
Hillary/Bayh 16
ginaswo on November 11, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Happy Veterans’ Day. (Sigh)
Is he hoping to bungle it so badly that even his opposition demands he fails the mission and brings them home? Of course, with Obama cheerfully pointing to the “bipartisan” decision the entire time while saying, “Let me be clear: I wanted to see it through, but I’m listening to my constituents. I did not lose this fight, but the (R)s have spoken and, in the spirit of the bipartisanship that is and has always been the cornerstone of my administration, I had no choice. My hands were tied, and this is their decision and their fault.”
Heck, just turn it over to the Afghan government tomorrow, Obama. It will save us all some time and lives. BTW, the coming drop in morale and all the deaths from this point on, both our troops’ and their civilians’, are yours and only yours, Mr. Obama. Either give them what they need or withdraw them immediately you pitiful present-voting, poll-watching, shout-out-giving Commander in Chief who just so happens to have some mad public reading skillz.
Dear God, even if I disagree with where it takes him, please let our president develop a moral compass within the next three years. . .
rogerb on November 11, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Please kid, just stop. I am sure Anna has discarded eggs that are older than you. It is gross.
ClassicCon on November 11, 2009 at 10:31 PM
hawkdriver on November 11, 2009 at 10:23 PM
hawkdriver: Keep the faith,we know what Obama is up to!!:)
canopfor on November 11, 2009 at 10:31 PM
This is what happens when a far-left moonbat is elected president of a center-right country. Hemming and hawing and stalling and sleight-of-hand parliamentary maneuvers.
ddrintn on November 11, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Dear Barry,
Here’s the only workable strategy:
Kill jihadis, kill jihadis, kill jihadis.
The rest (a stable Afghan government, etc.) is merely windowdressing.
If we kill enough jihadis ~with extreme prejudice~ it will make the necessary impression of the ruling Afghan tribal crooks and warlords to keep them calmed down for the foreseeable future.
Nothing is going to come of an Islamic State full of Islamic believers but problematic Islamic believers.
Which can be kept under control by:
-killing jihadis, killing jihadis, killing jihadis.
Yours,
A veteran
profitsbeard on November 11, 2009 at 10:31 PM
He just didn’t want to disrupt all of the celebration parties over the successful terrorist attack against the United States Military at Fort Hood…
… he has a re-election to think about, you know.
Seven Percent Solution on November 11, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Don’t think for an instant I’m some lib. Look around, ask others here about me.
Up to you. Time will tell.
Liam on November 11, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Your reply is completely irrelevant to the status of the Afghanistan elections, and how Obama used them as nothing more than an excuse to delay a decision.
ICBM on November 11, 2009 at 10:32 PM
How long before the military has had all they’ll take?
Coup anyone?
DougDavis on November 11, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Interesting article for Veteran’s Day, eh?
AnninCA on November 11, 2009 at 10:33 PM
AP: when is someone going to call the administration on the use of all these trial balloons. We’re being treated like pavlov’s dogs. It’s like McChrystal Wins!,ohhhhh few days later, McChrystal Loses! ohhhhhh, back to square one. Meanwhile, the dulling of our senses to the swings by this administration is truly Pavlovian. We’re not feeling the shocks anymore and the administration needs to be called on it.
ted c on November 11, 2009 at 10:33 PM
You know who wouldn’t leave the troops twisting in the wind?
President McCain
President Palin
President Romney
President Pawlenty
President Huckabee
President DeMint
President Boehner
President Crist
No matter who your candidate is, they would NOT be a mushy gutless sh*theel like Barry O’Bama.
portlandon on November 11, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I have a good friend set to deploy in 13 days. He knows he’s going over to be a setting duck thanks to our do-nothing president.
Obama could not possibly care less about his soldiers. He has shown again and again that he cares more about his left wing buddies than the lives of Americans.
I’m praying that my friend will be safe. With Obama at the wheel, it’s all you can do.
Vera on November 11, 2009 at 10:33 PM
The thing is that young men and women are in harms way because of this inconsiderate incompetent pompous ass Chicago Democrat Machine politician son of a bitch!
pilamaye on November 11, 2009 at 10:33 PM
We’ll be out of Afghanistan before we’re out of Iraq. How’s that for ironic?
xkaydet65 on November 11, 2009 at 10:33 PM
This is Obama’s Vietnam…
… you just know Obama was sitting in the meeting thinking about what he was going to have for diner, or what he was planing on doing in Asia.
“Hey, I got a great idea! Let’s elect Barack Hussein Obama as President of the United States!!! What could go wrong?”
Seven Percent Solution on November 11, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Seven Percent Solution: Yup!:)
MUST FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT NOT!:)
FOR THE SAKE OF THE TROOPS!!:)
canopfor on November 11, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Okay without the swear words.
No, because refuting you is like direct ops against the White House.
Save the smiley face too. You might think it’s a hoot typing at your computer like you’re discussing events at a wine party, but men are dying here.
hawkdriver on November 11, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Good Point. Whatever the flaws of FDR, FDR was no wimp.
nyx on November 11, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Coup anyone?
never, never ever. Our military is professional, well led, well trained and the system of civilian control and our Constitution and oath effectively guards against such antics. There would be no way this would ever happen.
ted c on November 11, 2009 at 10:34 PM
I’m no kid. I’m 51.
I just got out of two battles on other threads trying to tear apart liberal trolls who post here. Maybe I won, maybe they did. In any case, I went after those libratfucks with all I could muster.
Liam on November 11, 2009 at 10:34 PM
No. The military survived Vietnam. It survived Carter. It will survive this President.
BadgerHawk on November 11, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Amen.
portlandon on November 11, 2009 at 10:35 PM
I feel like America is being held hostage over a stupid health care bill.
Actually I have no idea to this elegant speech giving, anti American, characterless virus on humanity.
fourdeucer on November 11, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Does this relate at all to rumors of Rahm leaving the White House to pursue his open Senate seat?
Maybe things are imploding and it’s time to get out.
Sapwolf on November 11, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Rush pointed out today that OBama was interview by Tapper or someone who ask what criteria was he using regarding his decision…..
I’m paraphrasing here, but his response was very 10,000 troops was 10B and 40k would be 40B. Rush pounced on that with the above……chump change compared to 1 Trillion……or 700B Tarp, ….or 750B Stimulus that no one can account for…..
Starlink on November 11, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Yeah, but they are dying to ensure that our government stays secure enough to use their police powers to force me to pay for her health care?
What exactly is the problem?
ClassicCon on November 11, 2009 at 10:35 PM
He just didn’t want to disrupt all of the celebration parties over the successful terrorist attack against the United States Military at Fort Hood…
… he has a re-election to think about, you know.
Seven Percent Solution on November 11, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Seven Percent Solution: Thats the truth!:)
A Liberal!:)
BTW,that attack,was Obama’s PEARL HARBOUR!!!!!!!!!!
canopfor on November 11, 2009 at 10:36 PM
The thing is that young men and women in Afghanistan are now in harms way because of this incompetent, inconsiderate, pompous Chicago Democrat Machine Politician SOB!
pilamaye on November 11, 2009 at 10:36 PM
And it’s one, two, three
What’re we fightin’ for?
I don’t give a damn,
My Viet Nam is Afganistan.
davidk on November 11, 2009 at 10:36 PM
At the risk of sounding melodramatic, it’s going to be a long long three years. It seems like ten already.
Cindy Munford on November 11, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Quote of the Century…!
Seven Percent Solution on November 11, 2009 at 10:37 PM
you get outfitted with it in your formative years…
by your father,…er..mother..er…. step fathe..er…grandfather…er…..
ok Frank Marshall Davis.
nuff said.?
ted c on November 11, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Once again, arrogance and hubris trump knowledge and experience!
Barack Obama is a moron.
drjohn on November 11, 2009 at 10:37 PM
And your point?
upinak on November 11, 2009 at 10:37 PM
You forgot President Hillary
I don’t like her one bit but she will never dither with troop levels in Afghanistan. She is a socialist at home but she has common sense regarding foreign policy. But Good Point.
nyx on November 11, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Amadeus on November 11, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Your anger is misdirected. I didn’t vote for Obama. I do recall, however, that he was a lot more focused on the importance of expanding the war in Afghanastan than McCain.
McCain was, rightfully, reluctant to commit to that. He had integrity of his positions. He also was reluctant to think that Iraq was going to be a snap to withdraw from as Obama suggested.
I voted for McCain.
AnninCA on November 11, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Well try harder…because you are coming off as a goofy, internet virgin. Anyone over the age of 30 that uses terms like “epic fail” is suspect in my book. Nothing personal.
ClassicCon on November 11, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Considering that he can’t make up his mind about anything, I’d settle for a Ouija board at this point.
Erich66 on November 11, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Good one.
Obama is a scumbag and a menace.
Pull the troops out now.
Not one troop should suffer or die for this fool and his purely political machinations.
I’d rather see the military marching on DC and removing these traitors and criminals by force than acting as political cannon fodder for these vermin.
Given his obvious intent to destroy this country, I think that they would be acting in concert with the Founders’
principles.
justltl on November 11, 2009 at 10:38 PM
When that first Bradley turns onto Pennsylvania Avenue Obummer won’t have any more time.
bill30097 on November 11, 2009 at 10:39 PM
One picture is worth a thousand words
MB4 on November 11, 2009 at 10:39 PM
It was a terrorist attack, the second greatest on United States soil since 9/11, and political correctness, Obama, and his appeasment policies are to blame…
… but we can’t have THAT, can we?
Seven Percent Solution on November 11, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Obama’s Afghanistan Strategy Decision Making Process Captured on Time-Lapse Photography http://optoons.blogspot.com/2009/10/obamas-afghanistan-strategy-decision.html
Mervis Winter on November 11, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Replace Crist with Rubio or we’ll ‘scozz’ you.
Sapwolf on November 11, 2009 at 10:39 PM
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