Afghan Troop Increase "Would Be A Hard Sell": Gates

Reuters:

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said it could be difficult for the United States to add troops in Afghanistan beyond the 68,000 already approved, despite a top commander's call for a further 10,000 troops next year.

Read the whole story: Reuters

Comments

[mergina]

At this point, don't you think you should simply do what it takes working with Pakistan to rid the world of the Taliban?

[jeliz]

We should withdraw. Take a lession from Russia. They held a war in this area for seven years and were defeated by the Afgahanis. Societies like Afghanistan and Iraq will be difficult to bring into the 21st century because of their barbaric religious beliefs. Look how Iraq is regressing with the bombings lately. Get our people out and do not give them a reason to blame or bomb America any more.

By the way George Bush, we still don't have bin Laden. What a legacy for you -- two failed wars and no ring leader captured. When I looked at the Deck of Cards the Bush Admin. put out at Angelfire.com, there is no Osama bin Laden listed. I guess he wasn't really looking for bin Laden after all.

[ztck5356]

I agree with you. The middle east religious sects have fought since Bible days. According to the Bible they will always have strife. So, we are just beating a very dead horse over there. I say focus on secret missions to find Osama and give up the idea of winning a war over there. If not, we will NEVER get out of that place. It's worse than VietNam ever was.

[hapiday]

I can't remember anymore why Bush went into Afghanistan. OH, that's right it was for Bin Laden. Bush changed the plan to Iraq; why? Now, President Obama is trying to finish Bush's work? Going to war is always easier than getting out. President Obama has to use diplomacy throughout his term to prevent any new conflicts. We can't afford to be talking too tough on the world scene and spreading our soldiers across the globe. Our military is over worked as it is. President Obama biggest problem is dealing with the mindset of the American people who have been programed to believe if we aren't blowing up $hit we are weak. Republican administrations generally result to military might as the answer to most conflicts and that's why they must always question if America is safe.

[LemonMeringue]

If Americans were not distracted by the terrible economy, we would see an outcry that would force this war to an end.

As always, our personal safety and comfort - or illusions of safety and comfort - trump all else.

[JZ735]

No kidding.

[Ergon]

Continuing this stoopid war would be an even harder sell.