Afghanistan

[tw]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

Different subject altogether.

DanaC's post explains why the strategic objective is now so difficult, and now involves so many peripheral issues - including the integrity of NATO. The objective has not changed. But complications attached to that objective are now massive, confusing, and may not be achievable.

If not achieved, then we let bin Laden and his peers win – directly traceable to wacko extremism that made decisions based in a political agenda rather than in reality and the lessons from history.

The allies conquered WWII Germany. The movie Patton even demonstrates the principles violated in Afghanistan. Patton said he only had six months to establish roads, electricity, phones, and sewers. If not, then the allies lose Germany. It was not fiction. Even after the spectacular military victory, the politicians let America then be defeated by bin Laden's allies. And so we must now refight the entire war all over again - this time with major complications.

One must decide whether to concede victory to bin Laden or now spend more than we did in Iraq to achieve the strategic objective. Due to details listed by DanaC, it could easily become that bad. DanaC's post defines what we must correct - why we must sacrifice thousands more American lives - due to gross mismanagement at the highest levels of the American government.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by tw

the strategic objective now involves so many peripheral issues - including the integrity of NATO. The objective has not changed.

If not achieved, then we let bin Laden and his peers win – directly traceable to wacko extremism that made decisions based in a political agenda rather than in reality and the lessons from history.

What is the objective again? You missed that detail.

Originally Posted by tw

Patton said he only had six months to establish roads, electricity, phones, and sewers. If not, then the allies lose Germany. It was not fiction.

Were we at war with a country then or a group of nomadic idealists? I question the relevance of this comparison. (I know I'm gonna regret asking this of tw) Please elaborate on how the two situations compare. How many men did Patton have under his command? How many do we have now in Afganistan? What were the situations? Offhand it seems like two completely different scenarios and to compare them is not only impossible, but something only an extremist would do.