Biden No Longer a Lone Voice on Afghanistan

[elleng]

From the moment they took office, Mr. Biden has been Mr. Obama’s in-house pessimist on Afghanistan, the strongest voice against further escalation of American forces there and the leading doubter of the president’s strategy. It was a role that may have been lonely at first, but has attracted more company inside the White House as Mr. Obama rethinks the strategy he unveiled just seven months ago.

For Mr. Biden, a longtime senator who prided himself on his experience in foreign relations, the role represents an evolution in his own thinking, a shift from his days as a liberal hawk advocating for American involvement in Afghanistan. Month by month, year by year, the story of Mr. Biden’s disenchantment with the Afghan government, and by extension with the engagement there, mirrors America’s slow but steady turn against the war, with just 37 percent supporting more troops in last week’s CBS News poll.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/world/14biden.html?_r=1&hp

[babylonsister]

1. Biden and Kerry and others. The ultimate result, is there one? I am so

glad they are there and being listened to.

[elleng]

2. Ultimate, for Afghanistan?

I won't bet on it, not after the history! But with good will and intelligence, I'd be encouraged.