David Broder in the Washington Post:
It is evident from the length of this deliberative process and from the flood of leaks that have emerged from Kabul and Washington that the perfect course of action does not exist. Given that reality, the urgent necessity is to make a decision -- whether or not it is right.
Apparently, David Broder would have us go back to the bad old days when American foreign policy was not so much about getting the policy right for the best interests of the nation, but more about flaunting our National Turgitude. The important thing was not to "dither," not to appear "weak." Do anything but do something!
That's how we used to do foreign policy. We rejected that course in November, 2008. This was not only to the satisfaction of 53% of the American people, but also to the great relief of the rest of the world, who showed their appreciation by bestowing the Nobel Peace Prize on our new President.
In animal behavior studies, the top-dog gorilla who goes around fighting all the time doesn't stay on top for long. The one who maintains power over the long haul is the one who uses his "smarts" about when to display strength and when not to. American foreign policy ought to be at least as intelligent as that of gorillas.
Broder is an idiot but it is possible to wonder what's going on with the White House regarding the war in Afghanistan. He handpicked his own general and US war policy has been undergoing repeated "reviews" since Obama took office.
I also wonder what's going on with the leaks. Nobody wants Obama to rush into anything, but it's already plain he is going to send in the troops and it's about time for him to do his business or get off the pot.
Posted by: Hypatia | November 20, 2009 at 01:23 PM
It'll be interesting to see where he comes down. Hillary and Gates are the supposed "hawks," Biden the "dove." Probably he'll split the difference.
Posted by: John Petty | November 21, 2009 at 01:50 PM