Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

[Sampson]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/...e-afghanistan/

Defense and congressional officials say President Obama has approved an increase in U.S. forces for the flagging war in Afghanistan.

The Obama administration is expected to announce on Tuesday or Wednesday that it will send one additional Army brigade and an unknown number of Marines to Afghanistan this spring. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the total is about 17,000 troops.

That would be the first installment on a larger influx of U.S. forces that has been widely expected this year. It would get a few thousand troops in place in time for the increase in fighting that usually comes with warmer weather and ahead of national elections this summer.

When are people going to wake up and see that there is no difference in the two parties?

[Alex]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

Ugh. Obama didn't start any wars to benefit his private industry cohorts.

This war needs to end. Obama knows that. One way to end it is to win it. To win a war you need achievable goals. To achieve these goals you need more troops.

[Cutter De Blanc]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

To win a war you need achievable goals.

Fighting a war against an idea, like the war on terror, isn't an achievable goal, and doesn't even strike me as logical.

What are we really trying to win here?

[marcus]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

When are people going to wake up and see that there is no difference in the two parties?

The day people realize a two party system isn't necessary for a democratic-republic. In short, never.

What are we really trying to win here?

Originally? Capture Al Qaeda. Now? I think the same thing.

Maybe people forgot that Al Qaeda gets their funding from third parties and by themselves are weak and disorganized. But, hey, 9/11 still stings and we can pin a clear face to evil instead of spending those millions on training locals in anti-terrorist tactics.

Merry Christmas, fellas.

Edit: Also, people seem to think that just because he's Commander in Chief that he has total military control. There are dozens of people beneath him who have a say in army mobilization. He may get the final word but not before every single secretary, general, admiral, and commander puts in their two cents which adds up quickly.

[Sampson]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

This war needs to end. Obama knows that. One way to end it is to win it. To win a war you need achievable goals. To achieve these goals you need more troops.

Also, people seem to think that just because he's Commander in Chief that he has total military control. There are dozens of people beneath him who have a say in army mobilization. He may get the final word but not before every single secretary, general, admiral, and commander puts in their two cents which adds up quickly.

These things can be applied to GWB and Iraq. Are you in favor of that war?

[Adrian Foley]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

What are we really trying to win here?

Oil.

[FlamingMage]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

We're attacking Iraq because they aren't the terrorists that we were looking for and because all of the terrorists that we are trying to kill are not affiliated with Iraq.

Seriously. We rushed into Iraq without bothering to investigate Middle Eastern politics, some of the most complex in the world. We got the wrong guys, but now we can't exactly call a 'do-over'.

[Tintenfisch]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

Was anybody really not expecting something like this?

[Cutter De Blanc]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

I doubt "terrorism" (such a vague term) has much to do with this war anymore, if it ever did. It's just a term bandied about to keep the mindless herd supporting the war.

[Leish]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

This is what he tooted he'd do in his campaign, though, so you can't really tickle me surprised with this announcement.


In terms of policy differences between GWB and Obama, I'm really seeing the difference in environmental policy. I mean, in the sense that the Obama administration is trying to undo what Bush put into law. Bush really hated the Earth.

[Jehuty]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

Yeah, because he should totally pull out troops in an unstable area they spent the last 4 years bombing.

[marcus]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

These things can be applied to GWB and Iraq. Are you in favor of that war?

No, but it's not like Bush started the war in Iraq. I've certainly criticized him for his 'Cowboy Attitude' towards the situation and he did absolutely nothing to try and resolve anything, but he himself wasn't directly responsible for the decision.

The war started in Afghanistan. Taliban admitted to funding and harboring Al Qaeda so we attacked targeting Al Qaeda. Simple enough; destroy Al Qaeda

Bush and his administration began questioning Iraq's involvement although CIA officials (all democrats assigned during Clinton's administration, I might add) said there were absolutely no connections between the two. Cheney went behind everyone's backs and did undercover investigations without actual intelligence agents breathing over his neck then came to the decision Iraq was a threat.

It takes many to make a war, not one. The president's military advisers know more about the situation than he does. He could override their recommendations but the seat of presidency, regardless of your party, is still a conservative one. You're going to go with the grain more often than against it. This applies to all politicians.

Edit: In summary, I knew this was going to happen from the start because Afghanistan was the original target and the incursion in Iraq weakened that original battle plan. Am I disappointed? Hell yes. Am I ****** off at Obama like I was ****** off at Bush? Nope.

Once Obama says "God" told him to do it and acts like a total dick to everyone then yeah, call me ******. He's just a man doing the job that any of the candidates from last year would've had to end up doing.

[Denmo]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

Yet another awesome political thread.

[DK]

Re: Wow, Obama is so much different than GWB

Hey, listen up fellas.

Rambo III

[Red Dragon]

At least the Afganistan war finally gets some news coverage after 5-6 years.