Soon after Sept. 11, 2001, American military power was brought to bear in Afghanistan. For about six months it consisted primarily of unchallenged air power, in combination with CIA and military special forces, to support the Northern Alliance in the overthrow of the Taliban’s radical Islamic government in Afghanistan and the driving of al-Qaida underground, or out of the country.
It succeeded in that effort without committing large numbers of combat forces on the ground.
For about seven years that status quo was maintained while American forces concentrated on Iraq. By late 2008, and as a direct consequence of the “surge,” Iraq had stabilized to the extent that direct American combat power needs were limited.
Afghanistan had a shaky, yet certainly corrupt, democratically elected government. Using mountain and cross-border havens, the Taliban and al-Qaida challenged American military power.
In March 2009, soon after assuming office, President Obama unquestionably decided to escalate combat in Afghanistan to thwart the renewed threat.
His principal civilian adviser, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, assumed responsibility for implementing the president’s decision. Gates kept his overall military commander for the region, Gen. David Petraeus, in place and put a new military commander on the ground in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal.
Over the last few months the civilian and military leaders designated by the president have reviewed the situation in Afghanistan. With Gen. McChrystal as the point man, they have now come forward to explain how they will achieve the president’s goals and what forces will be needed to do so.
To his great credit, McChrystal has been forthright and has pulled no punches in his assessment. A new strategy and many more forces are needed.
It reminds us of arguments in late 2006 and early 2007 regarding Iraq. The president has a clear choice to make.
The president has the best military team possible in place and it is ready, with needed support, to do all it can to achieve his goals. He can either give it the requested support or back down from his goals. It is that simple.
The choice is now yours, Mr. President. Put up or back down. There is no room for equivocation.
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The Joplin Globe
Joplin, Mo.
