The war widely believed to be at the core of America's national security - against Al Qaeda and the Taliban - now has a new strategy for combating militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan, implemented by President Barack Obama.
Obama's new approach will be centered around a renewed focus on Pakistan. The policy's message is to build a stronger partnership with the Pakistani government and military. But with a lackluster effort by Pakistan in combating the Taliban and Al Qaeda within their own borders, there is doubt that this new policy will work.
Another goal in Obama's policy is to correct troubles in Afghanistan like government ineptitude, drug trafficking and a poorly equipped and trained army. Although it looks nice on the surface, there is no evidence that real change will come.
It is obvious that succeeding in this endeavor will be difficult, yet it is encouraging to see Obama actually focus on the war and acknowledge the regional framework in play that has been traditionally missing from American policy.
Unfortunately, this is beginning to feel like a situation that the United States will not be able to get itself out of. If the resources we have committed to this war were put to use stateside, there is no telling what could be accomplished. If Obama could come up with a system of healthcare where everyone has coverage, continue the search for alternative energy sources, or try to help the economy recover, we would be better off than we currently are, being the major player in this ongoing conflict.
Nonetheless, this is a positive step in correcting the highly volatile situation that former president George W. Bush created when he shifted focus from the Afghan War to the War in Iraq. But is there a realistic exit strategy for the removal of U.S. combat troops conducting military operations in Afghanistan?
Government officials have claimed that Afghanistan is a flourishing democracy but, when staring at these problems, it doesn't seem the case. They will try to focus on creating a working government while training the Afghan military to protect its people and instill a belief that there is an Afghan country worth fighting for by its people.
Last month, Obama committed an additional 17,000 troops to Afghanistan. Recently, he stated that another 4,000 U.S. troops would be needed to work as trainers and advisers for the Afghan army. And it would be remiss not to mention the countless civilian officials and diplomats needed to help improve the Afghan government and the country's economy.
When those troops are deployed, the number of U.S. combat troops in Afghanistan will surpass the 60,000 mark - which is twice as many as the non-U.S. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies.
Officials in Obama's administration say that they will no longer hand over blank checks but these signs speak to the contrary. Obama has even stated that he will allocate a new $7.5 billion aid package for Afghanistan. With so much money already being spent domestically with the stimulus package, is another expenditure on this conflict a responsible decision?
The cost might be too great a burden to bear.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
