I realize this goes against all of the right wing propaganda out there about Barack Obama, surely eliciting the usual EEP! BLURP! QUARK! from some brainwashed minds, but with the nomination of former Marine Commandant James Jones (to the right of President Elect Obama and Senator Clinton in the photo) to be National Security Advisor, it is now a fact that our next president is determined to take out those who would use terror as a weapon.In addition to being a 40 year Marine veteran, Jones has served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and as Special Envoy to the Middle East. He also acted as key advisor to President Bush early in his first administration. Jones is a Republican and has been described by many as a "warrior-diplomat." That is exactly what we need right now...someone who has the intellect to defeat the enemy in addition to being a blunt instrument, which is what ALL marines are.
This pick sends a message to Al Qaeda in Pakistan: Your days are numbered. With the head of the marines (and PE Obama) calling for months for a troop redeployment to Afghanistan, I think we can safely predict a major strategy shift in that part of the world. Factor in the recent attacks in India and there is no doubt in my mind that our future president is going to be pretty darned hawkish in the region.
With his plate full of economic woes, the pick of Jones, the continuance of Gates tenure as SecDef, and the choice of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, President Elect Obama has a team in place rife with experience and knowledge. He can spend more of his time trying to get our financial difficulties straightened out and rest easy knowing that the marines are on the job.
It's about fucking time.
7 comments:
It's a great pick. Obama has really impressed me so far with his selections with the exception of Hillary Clinton.
It's stand to reason that he is going to be governing from the middle which I welcome heartily.
I disagree with 'surging' in Afghanistan. We have less invested there, and there is no reason to up the ante.
The Brits at the height of their Empire never actually ruled there. The Russians got their asses kicked. We have no business there.
Juris, what is the alternative then? Al Qaeda has reconstituted itself to pre-9-11 levels. No doubt, they are going to attempt an attack inside of the US soon. We have a lot invested there...as in no more attacks on our homeland.
And, I have to say, comparing our military to the Brits in the 19th century and the eternally in a state of disrepair army of the Soviet Union is way off the mark. Our tech today is so far beyond anything they had that your point is moot.
We are also not going to be an occupying force. We are there to target Al Qaeda...and in Pakistan.
We are also not going to be an occupying force. We are there to target Al Qaeda...and in Pakistan.
Shades of Nixon and Cambodia.
The Brits were a more dominant force in the 19th century than we are today. The Russians had much greater logistical ease than we do in entering Afghanistan.
A surge there is a mistake.
Again, you are using an example of 30+ years ago. Our military has changed significantly since that time.
I'd like to hear what you would do about Al Qaeda, juris. This is a serious problem and one that could very well lead to another 9-11...or worse given the deterioration of the situation in Pakistan.
You appear to be conflating AQ with the Taliban and with the lawless elements that have always controlled the greater parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
First thing that should happen is that the Saudis should be told to pull the religious and financial support of Islamic extremism. That's the source and it only makes sense to start there.
doesn't james jones serve on the board of directors of Chevron, one of the biggest oil companies? Yep, he does. and now the windfall profit tax is off the table of the president-elect. coincidence? more change you can believe in. Suckers.
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