Democracy Arsenal

« The Potential Blindspot in President Obama's Vision of a Nuclear-Free World | Main | Thank You for That Question, Greg »

November 25, 2009

What Democrats Should NOT Do on Afghanistan?
Posted by Michael Cohen

Back in 2007 when I first started blogging here at Democracy Arsenal I got myself in quite a bit of hot water for defending Will Marshall and the Progressive Policy Institute from the ad hominem attacks of a few liberal bloggers. Well today, we are truly coming full circle . . .

You see the PPI has a new blog called the Progressive Fix, but there is not much new or even progressive about some of the views being expressed there. Instead they continue to reflect a perspective that has driven some dangerous foreign policy thinking in the Democratic Party in recent years.

Take for example the post today by Jim Arkedis - a really nice guy who I recently met in Dubai on my ill-fated trip to Afghanistan. A couple of days ago Jim tweaked me because I suggested that perhaps this country needs to have a national debate about how we have found ourselves - 8 1/2 years after 9/11 - fighting two wars in places where al Qaeda doesn't even exist. Jim thinks such debates can wait until after we've decided to send more troops to Afghanistan, which in my view precisely serves to continue the cycle of American foreign policy myopia that I aimed to identify. But I'm not going to quibble with that post.

Instead,I'm going to quibble with Jim's post today. In it, he suggests that General McChrystal's strategic review is:

. . . hardly a guaranteed success, but it offers the highest possibility of permanently denying al Qaeda the safe haven only the Taliban can provide in a difficult and complex operating environment. It also shows that the U.S. is committed to being a partner with the Afghan people against the Taliban, one of the most vile groups imaginable. They are fanatical ideologues who deny women basic rights and have been bent on enforcing a draconian interpretation of sharia law.

Yes, yes, the Taliban are horrible. Saddam gassed the Kurds too. It still didn't justify going to war in 2003 - and as bad as the Taliban might be it doesn't justify a troop increase of 30-40,000 troops today, particularly when the current government in Kabul is pretty lousy as well. I mean does the vileness of the Taliban change the basic fact that the Karzai regime is a completely unsuitable partner for population centric counter-insurgency?

As for that safe haven that only the Taliban can provide: what about that safe haven that already exists in Pakistan - and has been there for the past 7 years? As a good friend pointed out to me yesterday - we want al Qaeda in Afghanistan! Better that than the inhospitable FATA where neither the US not the Pakistan government can get to them. If al Qaeda wants to leave their safe haven of the past 7 years to head to a country that has a sizable US military presence, bring it on!

But all of these points are moot, because PPI has identified the real reason why Democrats in Congress should support a dangerously wrong-headed policy on Iraq - politics:

Whatever course he chooses, the President will need his party’s understanding and support to succeed. If Democrats fall out over Afghanistan, he won’t be able to sustain a coherent policy, and the public will likely lose confidence in the party’s ability to manage the nation’s security.


Putting aside the Democrat's past public image on national security how is this recommendation any different from what the Republican party did for George Bush during the first 6 years of the Iraq War?  If I can break this argument down a bit, it seems to be suggesting that no matter what the President decides to do in Afghanistan - as far as military escalation goes - his party must support him because if not Republicans will call Democrats names and accuse them of being a bunch of wussies on national security.

Aren't the days of "Democrats need to be as militaristic as the Republicans" behind us? Didn't the 2006 and 2008 campaigns put to bed the notion that Democrats can't win on an anti-war message? I'll tell you what, if you want the public to "lose confidence" in the Democratic party's ability to manage the nation's security then yes, mindlessly supporting a strategically dubious war in Afghanistan that will tarnish and subvert the President's larger foreign policy agenda is a jolly good idea. (BTW, ask the Republican party how slavish support for a failed military effort in Iraq worked out for them.)

I'll admit I'm being a little snarky today because after spending about 6-7 months writing about the foolishness of military escalation in Afghanistan I'm getting ready to watch a Democratic President, to whom I've invested a great deal of emotional energy and support, tragically follow this course. But just because the President makes a decision to send more troops into an Afghan quagmire it most certainly does not mean that his party should blindly follow course.

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451c04d69e2012875d80c37970c

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference What Democrats Should NOT Do on Afghanistan?:

Comments

Democrats should not support more troops in Afghanistan. I think that Obama indicated that the war that mattered to him was Afghanistan--not that he would draw down in Afghanistan. If he were to follow an immediate draw-down strategy in Afghanistan, he would actually be pursuing a bait-and-switch strategy, since he always argued that Afghanistan was the most important front.

If you are looking for a watch to buy,rolex daytona come to solve the problem of the not-so-rich category of people. A rolex daytona replica can be purchased by many of us, due to the accessible price it can have. A fake rolex daytona will always cost only a few hundred dollars.

http://www.t-racking.com
http://www.racking-shelving.com
http://www.cold-store-equipment.com

professional racking & shelving manufacturer, pallet racking, drive in racking,
cantilever racking, longspan shelving, dexion racking

Thank you for your sharing.! seslichat seslisohbet

This is very beauty article, I like it, thank you!
Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.
Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste their time on you.

Thank you for your sharing! I like i very much!

Great comments! You are so nice, man! You never know how much i like'em!

Yes, that's cool. The device is amazing! Waiting for your next one!

If you have PANERAI Watches , I still have my idea to achieve.

-A plurality of Democrats (43 percent) believed President Obama was sending "too many" troops.
-62 percent of Democrats either agreed with the timetable or wanted the troops to begin coming home sooner.

There are no prerequisites for the 70-680 Exam Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows XP 220-602. It is advised that you have a minimum of one year's experience implementing and 220-701 any desktop operating system in a medium to very large network environment.

Türkiyenin ilk Hiphop Sitesi Hiphop, Gekko G Fan Sitesi Gekko G, Mask animasyon thank you very good site

Buy Chanel handbags with us, and get fabulous discounts which you will never get at your favorite store.? We offer cheap authentic Chanel handbags and they are all up for grabs!

SesLiSohbet siteleri arasında ekol bir adres SesTonum hemen sohbette başlamak icin SesTonum 'tıklayınız..! SesLiSohbet ve SesLiChaT adreslerinin gözdesi hemen tıklayarak SesLiSohbet yapmaya başlaya bilirsiniz..!


SesTonum
SesLiSohbet
SesLiChaT

The next step is to burn these files onto the appropriate medium ( CD or UCKMAN
). For this, you’ll need authoring software like Nero Burning ROM. A CD or DUCKMAN DVD
writer is required to burn CDs or DUCKMAN DVD COLLECTION
.

Obviously missing are solar power and atomic timekeeping (radio setting), though for the price, I'm still impressed.Case construction is that of most G-Shocks: resin case, screwed stainless steel caseback, inset crosshatched buttons, integral raised bezel. The strap is an integrated, dual-tang thorn buckle, and is quite comfortable.One new feature on the GA-100s is the "speed" dial at 12 o'clock. You set a distance, then use the stop Breitling Replica Watches to measure times. Once you've done so, the dial indicates speed. Basically a tachometer, though digital and on a subdial instead of the bezel as normally seen. Might be useful for racing fans, coaches and the like.Also of note is the fact that the stop Breguet Replica Watches is unusual, measuring the ludicrously precise 1/1000th of a second up to 100 hours. Given human reflexes, I'm dubious as to how much of that precision is useful, but Jaeger LeCoultre Replica certainly quite cool and not commonly seen.On the wrist, the GA-100 is very comfortable. The light weight is spread across a larger area, reducing the already-light weight. The hands are easy to read at a glance, though the LCD panels are a bit more reflective than I'd like and take a bit more effort to read.Two overall comments: First, it's a G-Shock, meaning that functionally, it's impeccable. Bulletproof, inexpensive, functional, and reliable. Secondly, the size and bold colors will either appeal to your, or they won't, so make your decision based on whether you like it or not. At $99, it's an easy Gucci Replica Watchesh to recommend.Our thanks to Casio PR for the review unit.By Paul Hubbard; For updates on content, follow Concord Replica Watches Report on Twitter.

For those who have not used a 24-hour hand, it makes one full revolution of the dial over 24 hours which means that 12 pm is at 6 clock on the dial. This features allows you to track two timezones: one using the standard time hands, and the other using the GMT hand and the 24hr bezel. The bezel has a grippy coin edge and a light but clicky turn.The included bracelet is nice and light. Replica Casio Watches features solid end links (spring bars), and the outer links of the bracelet are screwed together. The clasp has a fold-over design with a signed safety. The bracelet is a perfect fit for the Replica Wittnauer Watches and integrates beautifully with the lugs. I will mention that the PVD on the bracelet is very light and after some considerable time on my wrists, there is noticeable wear. If PDV wear bothers you, go with the brushed/polished model instead (brushed on top and polished on the sides of the case).This is a Replica Vacheron Constantin that is up for just about any task and does so with little fuss or explanation. I wore it on a twelve day trip to San Francisco and Replica Ulysse Nardin Watches kept up perfectly. The Replica Zodiac Watches is light enough to be worn without consideration, classy enough to be worn with any attire, and with the GMT complication, it is a traveler's best friend. It's amazingly accurate; many days, it showed no deviance at all, and after a month, it is usually within +/-4 seconds.The G-1 starts at $549, which is an amazing price for a watch of this quality. Many other Replica Tommy Hilfiger Watches that feature this movement retail for hundreds to thousands more, and the G-1 is without a doubt the best design from OCEAN7 that we have reviewed to date. The model as reviewed is $599, and the buyer can choose from a series of bezel colors to suit either finish.OCEAN7 Watch Company have outdone themselves on the new G-1 GMT *** a very cool watch that doesn't sacrifice quality, features, looks, or everyday practicality; For updates on content, follow Watch Report on Twitter.

The sides are beautifully sculpted and the lugs extend from the bottom of the case in a way that compliments almost any strap, or the bracelet. The design is very fluid, and it sits perfectly on my wrist. Replica Kenneth Cole Watches is solid, smooth, and has a very vintage feel to it. The crown is a lovely size and features the Benarus three dolphin logo on its edge. The bezel is a Replica Jacques Lemans F1 120 click dive timer that fits the case perfectly with no play, wiggle or flex. Replica Immersion Watches of any case is in its details which is where the Moray excels. Its retro design seamlessly integrates with the solid end links of the bracelet. The dial is quite unique as well; Replica Jacques Lemans Watches is a very dark grey/black with a slightly tactile metallic tone -- not glossy or smooth. It's very hard to describe, and I have attempted to capture it in the photos. The markers and numbers on the dial are not inlaid but appear to be made of painted on C3 luminous paint. The lume is first rate; it charges quickly and lasted well into the night or through a movie. The hour and second hand have metallic edges while the minute hand has orange edges that cause it to stand out. This is my only issue with the Moray: I'm not a big fan of the continuity of the orange hand. It's not bad, but Replica Orient Watches really stands out. (The Ocean7 LM-2 has a similar orange minute hand, but it matches the orange accents on the reflector, second hand, and logo.)The dial is almost sterile, only indicating the brand, the automatic movement, and the water resistance. The date window is small and unobtrusive with white text on a black wheel located between the 4 and 5 markers. The dial design is very similar to that found on Panerai Replica Hamilton Watches, but the hands, date Replica Leonard Watches, and paint application has little in common with Panerai.

The sterile dial with its very legible hands and large numerals is fantastic to use, and a breeze to read in low light conditions. There is no chapter ring -- just a stainless steel space between the dial and domed sapphire crystal.The crystal features an internal anti-reflective coating that does successfully lessen the effects of glare. The domed shape of the crystal meets flush against the bezel and, while it is a small detail, the tight fit will prevent nicks in the edge of the crystal and lint or dust from taking up residence in the space. The Moray is powered by the excellent Miyota 8215 automatic movement seen in many Citizen automatics and it gives the Moray a 45 hour power reserve and handwind capability. On my wrist after a few weeks of wear, the Replica Pulsar Watches was running just about 5-7 seconds fast over a given day, spending its nights in a display case facing dial up. This is very close to COSC timing and is very similar to the Halios Holotype which uses the same movement. I wore the Moray exclusively for weeks and can attest that it is veryaccurate, sturdy, and fits easily under all of my sleeves (including Replica Locman Watches). The Moray does exhibit the same rotor noise found in almost allMiyota based Replica Haurex Watches (when you move your wrist fast enough, you willlikely hear the rotor spinning inside the case).The Benarus Moray is nearly sold out in all configurations; only the PVD with the British Racing Green (BRG) dial is Raymond Watches, and it is selling for $550 USD. It has been an big success for Benarus, and is well regarded on many collectors forums. The rare mix of vintage style, simplicity, 500m water resistance, and a great price point made the Moray a fast seller.The Moray has quickly become one of my favorite Replica Hugo Boss Watches. Benarus customer service has been great and subjectively the styling is nearly perfect for my taste in Replica Invicta Watches. After about a month of ownership, I have no complaints or warnings with the Benarus Moray; it is a Replica Rotary Watches, very robust, and beautifully built.By James Stacey » For updates on content, follow Watch Report on Twitter.Replica Officina Del Tempo and Replica Mauboussin Watches.



The reports released recently iphone case by U. Manage on , Enjoy the bestE66 Dual SIM S. Internet digital camera traffic monitoring agency comScore shows that Microsoft`s share on American intellectual mobile phone market fell again. It has already fallen by 4 percentage points since last December, the newest data is only 15%. Though the ipad case share of google is not inferior to microsoft, according to comScore, data shows that google Android market share increases 5.2% in the same period, furtherly lessen the gap with microsoft. According blackberry keyboard to the trend, google soon will overpass software and become the third smartphone plate after iPhone and RIM.Adornment of TV80

Maybe, it is the reason that why microsoft concerns iphone deals mobile phone industry in 2010 so much. It has already released the new mobile operation system Windows Phone 7 Seires. In any case, microsoft will compete with iPhone and try to win back the lost market share due to the Windows Mobile 6.The Top 5 Best touch screen tft lcd google android 1.6 tablet pc




Are you fighting in Final Fantasy XIV for FFXIV Gil or Final Fantasy XIV Gil?
Can you suffer yourself being called newbie in FFXIV Gil game?
Are you seeking unofficial Buy FFXIV Gil cheats or Final Fantasy XIV guides in order to make Final Fantasy XIV Gil faster?
Can you get millions of Cheap FFXIV Gil in one day?
Even if you know how to farm Buy Final Fantasy XIV Gil you have to prepare enough Final Fantasy XIV Power Leveling first to buy height class Final Fantasy XIV Items, to upgrade your Final Fantasy XIV characters.
Buy aika gold
Then why not Buy FFXIV Gil from us?
In Final Fantasy XIV it's the fastest way FF14 Gil,for you to get rich. We are online 24 hours a day ready and 7 days one week to power up your FFXIV Gil accounts with FFXIV Gil. Here is the best place for the Final Fantasy XIV Online players to buy your Final Fantasy XIV Gil.
We are the professional website in FFXIV GIL sale.FFXIV GIL here,We are professional FFXIV Power Leveling online. We update price every single day to make sure we are the lowest in the market.(we don't compare price with scam sites which uses unbelievable low price to deceive.)
Our slogan:Cheapest price, Fastest delivery, Best service!

Cheap aika gold
In the 2 years we are in this field , AIKA Goldbuilt many business with tens of thousands of customers. They are very satisfied with our service.So if you want to get a log of Cheap FFXIV Gil ,no doubt ,come to our website to buy. Our customer service is ready for you on line now!(GM MMO)

orange minute hand, but it matches the orange accents on the reflector, second hand, and logo.)The dial is almost sterile, only indicating the

just a stainless steel space between the dial and domed sapphire crystal.The crystal features an internal anti-reflective coating that does successfully lessen the effects of glare. The domed shape of the crystal meets flush against the bezel and, while it is a small detail, the t

but I do not see any serious prospects on this front. In my opinion this is a trifle in general terms, I know. But I am for it to stop to put the concept

as she calls on her newspapers and employer (my former employer, Advance Publications) and fellow columnists to influence Congress to

The article is worth while reading, I like it very much and which you shared the info in this post is very useful. Thanks for sharing a wonderful post.

of all verificatd the new treaty, so he now favors the old treaty. Its amazingly transparent and hypocritical.

but I do not see any serious prospects on this front. In my opinion this is a trifle in general terms, I know. But I am for it to stop to put the concept

a new Treaty, for Kyl, that is a bad outcome. If he owns up to his environment, no one will pay attention to you if you are against both the old treaty and the new treaty, so he now favors the old treaty. Its amazingly

art and global or regional power is their membership criterion. So my answer f

strategy in Afghanistan, he would actually be pursuing a since he always argued that Afghanistan was the most importan

will lapse and we will lose the verification provisions. He states clearly that he thinks the Administration should

thanks man very good

I like it, thank you!
Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.
Don't waste your time on a man/woman, who isn't willing to waste their time on you

Afghanistan, which is just the starting bill. Meanwhile Somalia is verging near collapse and yet Clinton and Brennan still speak of isn't this a tacit admission that al-Qaeda really is bleeding America out?

America little more than smoke and mirrors to me, substituting costly counterinsurgency for cheap counter-terrorism. Not only will

in Afghanistan, he would actually be pursuing a bait-and-switch strategy, since he always argued that Afghanistan was the most important

prefabrik in Afghanistan, he would actually be pursuing a bait-and-switch strategy, since he always argued that Afghanistan was the most important prefabrik

thnk you for sahring

he would actually be pursuing a bait-and-switch strategy, since he always argued that Afghanistan was the most important front.

he would actually be pursuing a bait-and-switch strategy, since he always argued that Afghanistan was the most important front.

America still treats it as the root disease. This new NSS seems little more than smoke and mirrors to me, substituting costly counterinsurgency for cheap counter-terrorism. Not only will counterproductivity result, isn't this a tacit admission that al-Qaeda really is bleeding America out?

America still treats it as the root disease. This new NSS seems little more than smoke and mirrors to me, substituting costly counterinsurgency

Obviously missing are solar power and atomic timekeeping (radio setting), though for the price, I'm still impressed.Case construction is that of most

.The crystal features an internal anti-reflective coating that does successfully lessen

Not only will counterproductivity result, isn't this a tacit admission that al-Qaeda really is bleeding America out?

If he owns up to his environment, no one will pay attention to you if you are
yemek tarifi
but it shielded the

Everything is explained in detail relevant to the subject site is within the existing social networking sites I came across a very impressive skins and best regards I wish you continued success with your site, I found the opportunity to examine in detail...

always good fun to listen to the radio, but also makes the radio is beautiful music played in

The topics discussed were very descriptive site Thank you all wish you continued success deserves praise.

fundamentally the overall perception of this damned war, and somebody's insidious

fundamentally the overall perception of this damned war, and somebody's insidious

monitoring agency comScore shows that Microsoft`s share on American intellectual mobile phone market fell again. It has already fallen by 4 percentage points since last December, the newest data is only 15%. Though the

shares in this blog is really nice, actually,
I no longer have to follow the internet world

[...] Are Magazines Doomed, Too?A post from BuzzMachine about the future of magazine publishing. [...]

its very nice and amazing project.

shares in this blog is really nice, actually,
I no longer have to follow the internet world
of blogs to take advantage of this style, I would
like to set up a site, but recently I tried I could
not have a friend View a school he did not know, but
my room will help me more to move forward on cı I’m
jealous already kurmayacağım also ..

yes your site is konteyner really wonderful people have been searching for other web sites şantiye konteyner you’ve found it is getting very relieved konteyner konut to sweat, my eyes until my uncle no longer flows out of sleep refreshing towels cursor would follow you.

since he always argued that Afghanistan was the most important front.

'Derailed' por el bien de una media luna o rab

counterinsurgency for cheap counter-terrorism. Not only will konteynercounterproductivity result, isn't this a tacit admission that al-Qaeda really is bleeding America outkonut projeleri

Dear viewers ...FW RMT ... waiting, surely you are waiting for my confession, o that I wrote the following defense of the accused...FW RMT...... ... less said about this is the....C9 RMT

This work would be to hide the script who is C9 RMT, and should be the name of the tree house X Cang name of Healing magic girl,and then wait until the broadcast to "cure the plot" when want to see your interesting responses C9 RMT, and then issued a "script in the end is what Sha Qiandao?!" the screams.After this information to determine when, on Twitter I deny my denial ... TERA RMT...It is because of intelligence that is the animation before the fourth power play, but this is not Oh, TERA RMTI deny is that this part of the oh, C9 RMTso I really do not lie Oh!

and strength in prospective mates, allowing the females to choose the fittest males for subsequent copulation

thnk you for sahring

thanks godd share

thanks very good

goods thanks

When you adjust this gradient, start in the middle of the fold shape, hold Shift, and drag out to the bottom right of the fold at a 45 degree angle.

Marble Floor Care marble floors, heavy favorite, but there is a special need for a delicate cleaning and protection.

There are veterinary clinic Maltepe district of Istanbul. Provide emergency ambulance services to better serve you.

Thanks for the insight. You are absolutely right.

I was very happy .. great site nice comments

I wish you continued success and a very nice page

Hi, I really liked your writing to follow you constantly. Thank you very much good work.

Not only will counterproductivity result,sepetli vinç isn't this a tacit admission that al-Qaeda really is bleeding

Congratulations to a super site

I found your blogs very informative site, also enjoyed the

yes ı am are teacher All I’m saying is that the scale for journalists’ pay will be different when they are independent and not working for the monopoly companies that are failing. And so the question we’ll be asking as we see journalists start businesses (I met with three of them last night) is what is possible. I’m working to maximize that revenue but I’m saying in this post that the starting point won’t be what monopolies paid. Sad but true.

Thank you very much for giving us this information

Roofing and roof repair process also can be found in our company by doing all the work you need to rooftops.

Congratulations on a beautiful sharing.

Wow, Great post,Nice work, I would like tütüne son to read your blog every day As long Balderesi as our government yemek tarifi do the best, manzaralar I think we must appreciate them. nanomatik Its not easy to rule a country. moliva You don’t know bout that coz you orjin krem too busy to say some critics. formula 21 You should want and klavis panax see what happen. Zayıflama Thanks

irmamız bayrak alanında Türkiye'nin her yerine satış yaparak hizmetimizi her yere taşımanın gururunu yaşıyoruz. Bayrak imalatında fabrikasyon baskı, empirme baskı, serigraf baskı ve pikolu üretim yaparak bayrak üretiminde öncü firma konumuna gelmiş bulunmaktayız. Müşterimizin memnuniyetini ve şikayetlerini dikkate alarak oluşturduğumuz çalışma sistemi sayesinde alanındaki öncü firmalar içerisine girmiştir. Baskı kalitesi ve malzeme kalitesi sayesinde büyük çapta işler alarak iş ağını genişletmiş bulunmaktayız.

you issues in this sense is obviously a very good site is full suits me very carefully, but with are more intensive follow-up will have mixed commentss and are you teacher mothers ?

When you adjust this gradient, start in the middle of the fold shape, hold Shift, and drag out to the bottom right of the fold at a See the full tutorial here

Burada Seo halkları thanke. hause

Burada Seo halkları thanke. hause

Burada Seo halkları thanke. hause

Post a comment

Comments are moderated, and will not appear on this weblog until the author has approved them.

This weblog only allows comments from registered users. To comment, please Sign In.

Subscribe
Sign-up to receive a weekly digest of the latest posts from Democracy Arsenal.
Email: 
Powered by TypePad

Disclaimer

The opinions voiced on Democracy Arsenal are those of the individual authors and do not represent the views of any other organization or institution with which any author may be affiliated.
Read Terms of Use