Afghanistan – The Necessary War

Hank — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:14:32 +0000

I remember President Obama consistently calling Afghanistan the Necessary War during his bid for election. During that time he pledged new resources. He also criticized President Bush for neglecting this conflict. Soon after taking office, President Obama sent approximately 21,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, I believe the total should currently number more that 60,000.

President Obama sent General McChrystal to Afghanistan (five months ago) as the top military commander to devise a new strategy for winning the war.

General McChrystal has requested, may I say somewhat urgently, an additional 40,000 troops. My understanding is that General McChrystal also predicted failure should Afghanistan not receive immediate attention. Recently I’ve been listening/following some of the criticism that President Obama hasn’t been communicating with General McChrystal or taking decisive action. I’m not sure of what the truth is, but I do know that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, receives daily briefs and by extension the President is advised daily on military concerns throughout the world.

This afternoon President Obama is meeting with his full team of national security advisers, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the above mentioned military officers. I am interested in following what is reported as a result of that ‘publicly’ announced meeting.

As a former enlisted Marine and Officer my only dog in this fight is to pray that America’s brave military men and women serving in Harm’s Way get the support they need. May this concern get the attention it deserves and may we discuss our opinions with dignity, respect, and thoughtfulness.

With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Major Hank Salmans, III – USMC (Retired)

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Afghanistan – The Necessary War