How does everyone feel about the POTUS

Red AQ was basically out of Afganistan in the first month we were there. It was 2 years before we did Iraq so the loss of focus excuse doesn't hold water. Actually Iraq pulled AQ into that war and not only did we kill them there but AQ's depradations among the Sunni in Iraq turned the sunni shieks against them and to the US allowing Petreaus' strategy to succeed.

We couldn't follow AQ into Pakistan because it is a soverign country and did not authorizse it. Had we gone in against their wishes we would either have expanded the war or Pakistan would have fallen into civil war and AQ may have their hands on Pakistans nucs. BTW Bush would have been crucified.

Red said "Yes the Afghans have always fought each other and will go back to it. We really don't care. But Al Qaeda are mostly non-Afghans and they have been pushed into Pakistan where we are now hitting them hard. They can no longer hide. The Taliban is getting a bit weary of all this suffering for protecting a bunch of Saudis. They are getting the carrot and the stick from us. They won't be allowing Al Qaeda use they space as a base anymore. We have shown that our airpower can hit them anywhere. We have taken down two whole countries, occupied them, and have shown that we can stay as long as we want to. The Taliban have had about enough of war with the US. Let the rags get back to killing each other. They are happy and we are happy" Sport that is the most absurd piece of rationalization. Basically you just admitted to the waste of trillions of $ for a return to status quo ante. Your assertion that the Taliban won't allow other anti US terrorists access to land is speculative and hopeful at best. BTW you take credit for taking down Iraq???? was it a waste and bad war or not. You are using it as an example of the same success you claim in Afganistan. Paradox or just stupid?
Finally hasn't 2500 + years of history shown you anything. Read Winston Churchill and his account of his posting in the "Northwest Territories" in the 1890s. Remember when the Soviets invaded and the great changes they implemented in Afganistan? The Afgans will do as they please untill they are ready to change. They will absorb any punishment and wait any invader out and continue to support AQ if they want.

 

Only because you don't want to look at reality. We wasted more money in Afganistan for less for longer than Iraq.

 

I understand that we aren't fighting standing militaries now, but the war on terror is just as idiotic as the war on drugs. All we are doing with the drones and this new warfare are making more enemies at younger ages. You are a kid and a drone attack kills your family or someone you knew, thanks drone you just turned another against us. We are stomping out an entire ant pile when 1 stray ant bites us.

There has to be a more sensible approach and a better way.

 

Ideas?

 

It's bullshit simply because there is not established precedence in which to determine whether or not someone is eligible for assassination under this program. Technically it seems like all it takes is the determination of someone with authority over a drone program to decide you're a threat and you're suddenly a target. Seems to me like it should take a little more than that.

Personally, I'm surprised that we have been able to get away with firing missiles at people in other countries without the permission of said country for as long as we have. If people were in those aircraft, we would have seen much more outcry, IMO.

 

Diplomacy? Aid?

 

Martin like everything else there is no one answer. Drones should be used in certain places, as should rendition and co opting and even bribing. It is just like calling plays in a football game call the right play at the wrong time and you hit a TD, call the wrong one and your QB gets blown up.

Jane Harmon D California was just on face the nation and had problems with the current policy and submitted several ideas on how to best manage it.

Most of all to keep the program public and how it is managed and what checks and balances are in place (NOT THE SPECIFIC DECISIONS AS THEY ARE MADE RED) so that the program doesn't become a loose cannon and/or operate outside the bounds of our morals or traditions.

Not an easy thing either for the president and his subordinates or the rest but necessary. A Star Chamber style of dealing with issues is the wrong path though.