9/17/09 – President Obama – Today Senator Arlen Specter posed a number of pressing questions about America's continuing involvement in Afghanistan. The specific questions he asked are:
“What are the prospects for military success in Afghanistan against al-Qaida and the Taliban? What will the requirements be in the next year as to additional U.S. troops and the cost of our involvement in Afghanistan? What may we reasonably expect NATO or other allies to contribute in troops and dollars to our efforts in Afghanistan? What other areas around the world are open to al-Qaida as potential bases for another attack on the United States? What will be done besides military action, such as nation building and stabilizing and developing Afghanistan, so that they will be prepared to handle their own problems so we can withdraw? What assistance can we reasonably expect from Pakistan in fighting al-Qaida and the Taliban and stopping both from seeking refuge by moving in and out of Pakistan? How does the questionable legitimacy of President Karzai's status as result of allegations of proof of election fraud impact on our ability to succeed in Afghanistan? How does the illegal drug trafficking and alleged involvement of high-ranking officials in the Karzai government in such drug trafficking impact on our efforts in Afghanistan? What does U.S. intelligence show as to any possible plans by al-Qaida to attack the United States or anyone else? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether India poses a real threat to attack Pakistan? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether Pakistan poses a real threat to attack India? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether Pakistan could reasonably devote additional military force to assist us in the fight against the Taliban? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether the Government of Pakistan or influential officials in the Pakistani Government would consider negotiating with India for reducing nuclear weapons or other confidence-building measures to diffuse the tension with India if actively encouraged to do so by the United States? What does U.S. intelligence show as to whether the Government of India or some influential officials in the Indian Government would consider negotiating with Pakistan for reducing nuclear weapons or other confidence-building measures to diffuse the tension with Pakistan if actively encouraged by the United States to do so?”
His entire remarks can be found Here: I hope you will read them and consider their importance. Afghanistan is rapidly turning into your Vietnam. This occupation, like the one in Iraq, need to be ended now.
Thomas Daly
Retired California Newspaper Publisher