Obama Fiddles while Afghanistan Burns
Ten American troops were killed at the weekend in two surprise attacks that caused alarm in Nato’s US-led coalition.
In one, hundreds of insurgents attacked a pair of isolated outposts in eastern Afghanistan, killing eight US soldiers and several Afghan policemen in the deadliest battle in 15 months. Scores more Afghan policemen were reportedly captured by the Taleban.
In the other an Afghan policeman opened fire on the American soldiers with whom he was working in central Wardak province, killing two and injuring three.
It was unclear whether the policeman was working for the Taleban or simply ran amok but the attack fuelled the distrust that many Nato soldiers already feel for the Afghan security forces that they are supposed to be working with and training as part of the coalition’s eventual exit strategy.
How much of an effect are Obama’s distractions having on Afghanistan?
Just after proclaiming October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and just before departing for Copenhagen to lobby for his hometown as an Olympics host city, President Obama found the time Thursday to pop by the posh St. Regis Hotel a few blocks from the White House to hobnob with a gathering of Democratic governors and help raise some campaign cash.
But he didn’t find time to say a word about the war in Afghanistan and what he plans to do about it. He didn’t refer to the deteriorating situation there or take questions from the press corps – which he’s done just once in five weeks.
(snip)
In the past month, the president has found the time to play golf – four times. He’s had links legend Arnold Palmer and other top golfers over to the White House. He’s shot some hoops with friends and yukked it up with hockey’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
He’s celebrated Ramadan at the White House, eulogized newsman Walter Cronkite in New York City, attended several fundraisers (including Thursday afternoon’s luncheon), appeared on David Letterman’s late-night show (one of eight interviews), delivered two speeches to AFL-CIO rallies and dropped by the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial for a visit with his wife and daughters.
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Hat tip: Timesonline and Washington Times
[1]
Complete collapse is imminent.
Iraq and Afghanistan were as good as lost as soon as this stooge was elected, and the whole world–in particular the Islamofascists–knew it.
[2]
But, according to the media sycophants who worry about such things, at least we can feel better because we have a president who says ‘Taleebon’ and ‘Pockeeston’, instead of ‘newkular’.
[3]
The American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of “personal discovery.” – Sarah Palin, September 2008
[4]
What would he think of himself if he were the CEO of a Big Business, as opposed to the leader of the free world?
[5]
#3 That is a great quote. It really isn’t supposed to be a journey, and there is no room for on the job training.
[6]
Ten heroes down…….
but Barack and Michelle celebrate the wedding anniversary with another date night on the town.
Priorities, priorities.
[7]
I know the comparison has been made way too much, but still…if this were a Republican President having all the pleasurable distractions that Obama has, he would be popped into the “news toaster” everyday, and left there until he was crispy-burned.
With Obama, though, its nothing but “la de dah!”
Disgusting!
[8]
I read another article with yet another “take” on Obama’s Copenhagen trip…..
The Copenhagen Fiasco: The view from beyond Link
One of the points it made was comparing how the IOC negotiations might be compared with other international ventures, like let’s say Iran.
The suggestion here is that the Chicago minion-thugs (Jerrett, Axelrod, Rahm) might have dealt under the table with the IOC, thus thinking they had it “in the bag” for their leader. But, if you don’t understand the people you are dealing with, how easy is it for you to be holding the bag rather than having it in the bag!
What Copenhagen says is that we have a bunch of arogant novices running this country. Just wait until hese clowns deal with something important like Iran, Russia, or the Afghan strategy!
[9]
#8
Wouldn’t it be great if they DID pay them off?
[10]
A little Sunday Humor…
SNL goofs on Obama for accomplishing nothing Video
H/T HotAir
[11]
The problem is Obama is so busy having fun he doesn’t have time to read bc3b’s congenially take on things. HA
If Obama did he’d realize people really don’t love him as much as he loves himself!
[12]
What would he think of himself if he were the CEO of a Big Business, as opposed to the leader of the free world?
Entitled and holding out for a golden parachute.
[13]
Were it a perfect war, I would hold out that the Afgan situation not ripen till say June of next year. (I fear for our troops for what I suggest.) But for domestic consumption, were all hell to break loose then I might hazard that is is out of the range of ‘Its-Bushes-Fault’ at that point. Coupled with the fact that O said this is the ‘real war’ and it puts him in a tight spot.
Don’t know what else to say. Its political calculus vs the reality of boots on the ground.
[14]
We don’t win by destroying the Taliban. We don’t win by body count. We don’t win by the number of successful military raids or attacks, we win when the [Afghan] people decide we win. Pre-occupied with protection of our own forces, we have operated in a manner that distances us — physically and psychologically — from the people we seek to protect.
- Barack Obama?
[15]
From the Sergeant Major