40,000 more troops. That is what General McChrystal, President Obama’s hand picked General, has asked for to change the momentum in the war. I predict that if more troops are sent it will be a number at least half the number requested. Remember that President Obama ran on a platform of placing greater priority on Afghanistan. Now we wait to see what greater priority means. The President is in a place where he must decide to appeal to the ant-war left or listen to his generals. Both choices could anger important branches of the U.S. population. More troops angers the left (as well as the libertarian right); and, not increasing the troop levels could mean a myriad of potential problems. Deciding how to handle such things requires a real leader.
What seems to be misunderstood is that Afghanistan is part of a larger war, of which too often the administration is on the wrong side. Afghanistan is one of the countries that is clamoring for freedom and liberty. Yes, many in Afghanistan do want freedom, as do people in Iraq, Poland, The Czech Republic, Georgia and Honduras.
Honduras is on the verge of civil war because their socialist President Zelaya wanted to change their constitution so he could stay in power beyond term limits. Once he was removed from power, by their supreme court, he sat outside the country suggesting that his supporters help him fight his way back to power, yes he means a war to regain his power. To stand by the constitution and republic of this country should seem to be common sense. However, the U.S. Administration chose to be on the side against freedom, by standing with the deposed Honduras President.
Eastern Europe is one of the most exciting regions for freedom in the developing world. However , Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland and Georgia are constantly being harassed by Russia. In fact, the bully of Eastern Europe invaded Georgia occupying one third of the country. To show real leadership and solidarity with each other, the leaders of the other harassed Eastern European countries stood together in defiance of Russia. The U.S leadership (from a year ago) continued plans to put a missile shield in Poland and The Czech Republic in defiance of Russia. Contrarily, the current administration has announced recently that the missile shield plan would be scrapped. Why? Is Russia no longer harassing the other Eastern European countries? Has Russia left Georgia alone? No on all accounts. In fact, it seems that the administration is “working” with the Russians at the cost of solidarity with our allies in the region. As one Polish paper read “America has betrayed us.”
Iran continues to build nuclear capability threatening Israel amidst other neighbors. Israel has hinted that if pushed, she would strike at the nuclear facilities. This was the hot topic at the U.N. last week. Where did our President place the emphasis of his speech? Climate change, not Iran or supporting free societies around the world, climate change was the “world threat” that was focused upon. Nuclear disarmament was also discussed by the President, and he committed to reduce our nuclear stockpile. Think about that for a moment. Iran is a country which has no problem beating and imprisoning opposition voters, threatening a fiery end to Israel and has a leader who uses his address to the U.N. to deny the Holocaust; yet President Obama sees it prudent announce OUR disarmament. This is like self flagellation to pay for another’s sins. Add that to some in the administration who said it makes sense to “confront” Israeli fighters on the way to attack Iran’s nuclear sites, and one has to ask which side is this administration on?
Remember that geographically Iraq and Afghanistan are both border countries to Iran. When the U.S announced a definite date for withdrawal in Iraq, Iran benefits. When pundits talk of withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iran benefits. The Iranian regime has designs on being the regional world power, and as long as there are U.S. troops in the way , these plans are more distant. In the midst of the Middle East, where religious warriors are seen as examples of the truly faithful, disarmament and retreat are seen as ultimately weak.
From the Iranian perspective, Israel must be destroyed. However, Israel is the only transparent, free market, multi-party, liberty based and open media based state in the Middle East. Iraq and Afghanistan are also trying to be freer societies. Why then would the U.S. administration act as if they are somehow equal to the dictatorial countries of the world? When a country stands for freedom and liberty, it is incumbent upon a U.S. administration to give that country more respect than the thug states in the world. I’m not suggesting that the U.S. should put troops in Honduras, Georgia or Israel. I’m simply suggesting that the land of the free should stand with those who strive for freedom. In other words, when we see that those who love freedom are molested by tyranny, our leaders should speak in such a way that puts America on the side of freedom and liberty.
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