Mattis on Afghan war: 'Privatizing it is probably not a wise idea'

[Judi Lynn]

Source: ABC News


By ELIZABETH MCLAUGHLIN
Aug 28, 2018, 5:01 PM ET

Defense Secretary James Mattis pushed back on the idea of privatizing the war in Afghanistan on Tuesday, weeks after President Donald Trump's national security adviser appeared to leave the possibility open.

"When Americans put their nation's credibility on the line, privatizing it is probably not a wise idea," Mattis told reporters during a rare appearance in the Pentagon Briefing Room. Mattis was joined by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford.

Earlier this month, John Bolton, the president's national security adviser, was asked whether private contractors could replace U.S. forces in Afghanistan. NBC News reported that Trump had shown interest in the idea, which had been proposed by Blackwater founder Erik Prince.

But in an interview with ABC News' Martha Raddatz Aug. 19, Bolton wouldn't say whether Trump was still considering it.


Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mattis-afghan-war-privatizing-wise-idea/story?id=57450697

[DRoseDARs]

1. Duhyathink? nt

[at140]

2. Record Longest war is a bonanza for the MI complex

Why would the war lovers change anything?

[msongs]

3. its a great idea. NO taxpayer $$ to support it. strictly private enterprise fund raising AND

no US troops involved

[at140]

7. May be, but the MIC will not let it happen

The Military Industrial Complex is in danger of losing Billions in profits if privatization occurs. Because they now control the career politicians.

If it is allowed to begin in Afghanistan, it could spread to all future wars.

[keithbvadu2]

4. Erik Prince wants the $billions and Trump wants the finder's fee... I mean 'donations'.

Erik Prince wants the $billions and Trump wants the finder's fee...

I mean 'donations'.

[Midnight Writer]

5. Is Erik Prince aware of Trump's past record of paying his bills?

[Docreed2003]

6. Here's the infuriating part for me

I'm a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. I witnessed first hand the good we tried to accomplish while I was there, and the horrors of war for both the afghan people and our service members, American and NATO alike.

The situation in that country has devolved to the point where we are actually considering negotiating with the Taliban. If the focus of this country had been on rebuilding Afghanistan in 2003, instead of invading Iraq, we might be in a different place now.

But sure, let's turn over our presence to a bunch of hired thugs who will answer to no one for their bullshit.

I've often thought that the hopes for Afghanistan may have died when Massoud was assassinated in the days prior to 9/11.

[sarge43]

8. Probably?? He said probably?

That calls for a two handed face palm. , this will have to do.

[LiberalFighter]

9. I would support privatizing the Afghan War if...

1) Only crazies were allowed to fight.
2) No federal funding was used.
3) No civilian or federal protection was provided.
4) They pay a 50% federal tax.
5) No American military weapons allowed.
6) Activate GPS on their cell phone.

[sakabatou]

10. You don't say!