Decision Time For Afghanistan

Gen. Stanley McChrystal's Afghanistan assessment and strategy recommendations report has been leaked to the Washington Post and is available in unclassified form at their site. After reading most of it, I think Bob Woodward does a pretty good job of summarizing both the substance and the tone of the report.

It's a pretty grim read and a clear warning of failure in Afghanistan if we do not adjust both strategy and resources.

Gen. McChrystal delivered his assessment three weeks ago. It appears that the White House is hesitating though, and in no hurry to make a decision. Bill Roggio contrasts the speed of change in deciding to surge in Iraq with the waffling that appears to be happening now regarding Aghanistan. Roggio asserts that, "Today, the military is perceiving that the administration is punting the question of a troop increase in Afghanistan, and the military is even questioning the administration's commitment to succeed in Afghanistan." The leak of the report and rumors of McChrystal threatening to resign if the White House doesn't stop dithering are intended to force the president to make a decision. Maybe, it's impossible for me to tell from where I sit.

The report itself seems to make sense to me. My sole skepticism is that based on what happened in Iraq, I think the goal of accelerating the training of more Afghan forces is probably unrealistic and we will carry the burden longer than McChrystal is willing to admit. I could be wrong about that though.

Regardless, it's time for a decision. At this point, I accept McChrystal's assessment that a reasonably stable Afghanistan is still achievable with the right commitment of resources. The price is worth it compared to the alternative of withdrawing and the almost certain return of al Qaeda safe havens. Perhaps the only worse move than that though, would be to half-ass the effort in Afghanistan and lose more troops for nothing.

On a related note, Michael Yon has made available a Frederick and Kimberly Kagan report on Afghanistan Force Requirements. I haven't read the whole thing yet, but at first glance it seems to dovetail with McChrystal's report as far as current assessment and strategy. It also has some very detailed info and maps on the current areas of contention and deployment of forces. Very good info if you are interested.

Comments

[Marie]

Well, one thing, people are finally starting to talk about Afghanistan, now, more than since we went over there. Keep blogging about it, Dave.

[Rob]

I agree with you and Marie. The mission in Afghanistan is equally as important as the one in Iraq and it's a lot closer to the really bad guys with means. I think we're obligated to see the missions through in both countries but I also think we may have to lower our sights on what we may leave behind. I think a totally secure, western-style democracy in either country is a pipe dream. I think we have to settle for a 90-10 balance of good to evil in those countries and hope the 90 are up to the remaining challenges.

[Dave E.]

It hasn't been as much of a focus as it should have been, I'll admit that, Marie.

Rob-The lower our sights bit is true I think. The question is how far down, and is even that realistic. That 90-10 balance may be too much to ask, I don't know.