Why We Are Going To Lose In Afghanistan

Key in Afghanistan: Economy, Not Military -- Washington Post

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- National security adviser James L. Jones told U.S. military commanders here last week that the Obama administration wants to hold troop levels here flat for now, and focus instead on carrying out the previously approved strategy of increased economic development, improved governance and participation by the Afghan military and civilians in the conflict.

The message seems designed to cap expectations that more troops might be coming, though the administration has not ruled out additional deployments in the future. Jones was carrying out directions from President Obama, who said recently, "My strong view is that we are not going to succeed simply by piling on more and more troops."

Read more ....

Update #1: Q+A-The new U.S. strategy in Afghanistan -- Reuters

Update #2: Foreign forces losing in Afghanistan - UK's Ashdown -- Reuters

My Comment: The above articles state that we are losing the war in Afghanistan. But (according to the sources that are quoted) we should not worry, there is a new strategy coming into play.

I have read the new strategy, and to me it is a prescription for disaster. While it is noble that our efforts should be focused on economic development, the fact that there is now a "soldier cap" to the Afghan war theater, and that even the rules of engagement are going to be changed (if not changed already), puts this new focus of pursuing economic development unworkable.

You cannot repair and fix a nation when your aid workers, teachers, and engineers are being threatened or murdered on the ground. The U.S. Commanders on the ground have repeatedly stated that there is a lack of boots on the ground to provide security and/or hold ground .... when I hear this, it makes me wonder on how we can sustain this mission.

Like Vietnam, we all lost count on how many times a Hill or village was taken, and retaken, and retaken. This is and will be the situation in Afghanistan. More boots on the ground are essential .... but it is now clear that they are not coming. I know that the American administration is hoping that the Pakistani Military will do most of the dismantling of the Taliban in Pakistan, and that the Afghan Army will step up. But if I may quote Hillary Clinton when she was on the campaign trail last year .... hope is not a strategy.