AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ VETERANS NOT READY TO SUPPORT OBAMA STRATEGY IN AFGHANISTAN

[midnight]

Source: Vet Voice

The veterans of VoteVets.org, the largest progressive group of veterans in America, said that the strategy left unanswered too many questions regarding strain on the Armed Forces, and didn't address other issues that would help ensure that the entire mission wouldn't be put on the backs of the troops.

Jon Soltz, Iraq war veteran and Chairman of VoteVets.org said, "We have been supportive of every move the President has made since he was elected, and have supported an increased focus on Afghanistan since our inception, but given the serious questions that are unresolved, we aren't ready to support what he's laid out. First and foremost, we are always concerned about the strain on the American servicemember, and this plan leaves very big questions on that issue.


Is there increased sacrifice from other agencies equal to what the administration is putting on the troops? A counter-insurgency strategy, which the President has laid out, the engine of American foreign policy firing on all cylinders. Without increasing the commitment of other branches of American foreign policy, will we continue to see troops having to serve as negotiators, diplomats, and nation builders? They weren't trained for that, and it isn't right to place that responsibility on their shoulders.

Read more: http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=F9712EFF9A9DF85946CFAD07CF9D5126?diaryId=3510

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http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3510

[NYC_SKP]

1. Your link bad, won't work, here I fixed it.

:P

http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3510

[midnight]

3. Thank you so much.

[wisteria]

2. I think a meeting with the President might clear things up for them. n/t

[midnight]

4. The corruption is a hard issue to square away.

It has become clear that the Karzai government does not have the confidence of the people because of corruption. A trusted government is essential to any counter-insurgency strategy working, otherwise it becomes impossible to transition out. How does this plan address corruption issues, especially as it pertains to the central government gaining the confidence of the people in a way that doesn't make it seem that it is a puppet-regime just doing what the western nations want? If we cannot guarantee that, what does a counter-insurgency strategy really achieve that could not be done with a counter-terror strategy that relies on fewer troops?

[NYC_SKP]

5. I appreciate this thread, especially today with so many empty posts.

The diary asks legitimate questions, doesn't seek to compare Obama to Bush, it is looking for answers.

Thank you.

K and R.

[Cant trust em]

6. seeking answers seems like a real rarity these days.

It's interesting how in a national security debate where none of us are privy to classified reports, all of the armchair activists are experts.

I completely admit my inability to adequately participate in this conversation.

[midnight]

7. While it is true that classified reports are not available for review, there are

many other clues as to what is going on. I was uneasy to learn from some vets at a local restaurant/bar about the feelings of going back .... These men and women keep going back because they know the ones left behind need them. Visit your local V.A. center and participate with those who are on the front lines. They are not privy to classified reports either. The families that wait for this killing to end are tired. Some don't have enough to eat. You don't have to be an expert to know people are going hungry to pay for this war.

[midnight]

8. How many at D.U. have a family member in this war?

[L0oniX]

9. STOP JOINING THE MILITARY!