Obama's New War Strategy

Recently President Barack Obama had to address one of the most difficult issues he has had to face in his first term, Afganistan. A crucial issue that not only hits home for millions in our nation, but affects a collition of nations around the world as well. Shockingly, he announced that we will send an additional 30,000 troops to the middle east country, who is the worlds leader in poppi production. Although he ultimatley hopes to with drawl troops in July 2011, there are many factors at play. According to a recent Gallup Poll that was taken, 35% of Americans approve of this, and 55% disapprove. I’m not surprised that half of the citizens in this country want to end this war and send our troops home as soon as possible. That being said, I don’t blame them because I myself would love see this war end and have our troops back at home.

However, I don’t think it would be a wise decision, nor a realistic one. I believe President Obama is taking this drastic action simply because it’s in our vital security interest as a nation. We have been at war for 8 long years, yet we still have not reached a resolution, not to mention Al Qaeda is still on the rise. If we leave now, we would not have accomplished anything signifigant in the eyes of the world or hearts of our citizens, and we would potentially have far greater problems in the end. Commander in chief stated that “They will increase our ability to train competent Afghan security forces, and to partner with them so that more Afghans can get into the fight. And they will help create the conditions for the United States to transfer responsibility to the Afghans.”

Some may disagree with the new war strategy, but I for one, support it due to the fact that the President is right we need to come together and support, grow, and develop a strong Afghan army, police force, and a government. Once this is acomplished, and Al Qaeda can be eliminated, the Afghan people can handle their own sovernty and take responsibility of the situation. I would like to conclude my editorial with a moving statement taken from President Obama “"We must come together to end this war successfully. For what's at stake is not simply a test of NATO credibility - what's at stake is the security of our allies, and the common security of the world."