In Support of Obama and Camels: Clinton, Gates, Mullen

   I was a little apprehensive last night about the Afghanistan strategy, but after listening to Sec. of State Clinton, Defense Sec. Gates and JCS Chairman Adm. Mullen today I was convinced that the President has made the right decision under the circumstances.  If you are feeling apprehensive, listen to the testimony from the hearings today.  There's alot of detail and background there.  Its worth listening to. Below the fold I summarize some points that made me feel more confident about this decision, proud of the president and proud of his team.

Here's links: Cspan - Senate Armed Svcs. Cmte.  Cspan House Foreign Affairs

In one notable exchange, Rep. Jeff Flake criticized saying, "There’s an old adage that a camel is a horse designed by committee," Flake said. "In many ways, this looks to be a policy designed by committee, a little something for everyone."

Without skipping a beat, Secretary Clinton replied "Congressman, camels are very sturdy animals," she said. "They are ancient and maybe plodding but they eventually get to where you hope they will arrive."

Here's some take aways I found encouraging:

1. Clinton, Gates and Mullen are unified in their support for the President's decision and respect the manner in which he came to that decision.

1. Each of them fully supported the goal of beginning transfer and withdrawl on July 2011.

1. They all agreed the Iraq war was a distraction from the Afghanistan effort and if we had stayed focused on Afghanistan we would be done there

1. This decision was made after all opinions and options were fully voiced and fleshed out in the open

1. The scope is narrow.  We do not need to eliminate all Taliban, all Taliban are not "bad".  

1. Contrary to CW, they feel they can work with the Karzai administration

1. Details like plans for transporting troops quickly, safely and efficiently were well thought out

1. The focus will be mainly on training Afghanistan security and police rather than the Americans fighting on their own

1. Support from other countries in this war effort has grown under President Obama

1. There is a substantial civilian as well as military effort

1. In order to not show our hand too much, some specifics are not public and thats ok and necessary.    

1. This is not going to turn into a Vietnam.

1. McCain is still an idiot.  Its a very good thing that Obama is our commander-in-chief