Afghanistan, more troops?

[SP01715]

Originally Posted by Excaliber
I take it you have never read the "Art of War". This principle of winning the hearts and minds of the people goes back 1,000's of years. History shows over and over that "winning" a war militarily will not stand the test of time without the will of the people.

Now if that will is based on a better lifestyle, more security, money, is not as important as securing it in the first place. There is AMPLE reason to believe the Afghans DO want all of the above. For many years the Tabliban was despised there, the people fundamentally DO NOT want them in power. But what choice do they have? The Americans cannot defend them and they cannot defend themselves.

I support the request for additional troops, with an understanding of the goals to be achieved. Otherwise, we could be there for decades and accomplish nothing. If it is not possible to win the favor of the people then we should pull out the majority of troops and rely more heavily on "drone" missle strikes to kill the Taliban leadership. This will NOT result in a victory but it will buy time. The drone attacks kill many civilians, that really pisses off the people. But if we don't care about the people, no problem!

MODS: I had been thinking about starting a new thread on this subject, Afghan. Perhaps this post could be the start of that? Some editing of course required...

First I have read Sun Tzu's The Art Of War, and I actually have my paperback copy on the shelf right next to me. It has been there for years. I suggest you read the chapter "Waging "war". It talk about troop levels and protracted campains. That said, I don't base my knowledge on a book.

I served a combat tour in Iraq with the 1st Cav in a combat MOS (military Occupational Skill). I have actually been on the ground in the Middle East. You abviously don't understand the thinking of the culture there. The people do not respect weakness. From the guys I know that have served in Afghanistan, they say this is even more true than in Iraq. You are never going to build a nation in Afghanistan even close to Iraq. We need to concentrate on killing the enemy, and we need to expect a troop presence there for a long time.

You need to listen to the General on the ground in charge of operations. He is the expert. As Sun Tzu refers to him "The Respected One". "If wise, a commander is able to recognize changing curcumstances and to act expediently"." If courageous, he gains victory by seizing opportunity without hesitation" . The general on the ground has "recognized" the "changing curcumstances" in Afghanistan, and he has asked Obama for more troops so he can "gain victory without hesitation".

Obama needs to listen to the guys in the military on the ground. They are the experts, and have the best knowledge of what they need. My.02