Afghan Strategy Will Contain Messages to Several Audiences

[groovedaddy]

WASHINGTON—In declaring Tuesday that he would “finish the job” in Afghanistan, President Obama used a phrase clearly meant to imply that even as he deploys an additional 30,000 or so troops, he has finally figured out how to bring the eight-year-long conflict to an end.

But offering that reassuring if somewhat contradictory signal — that by adding troops he can speed the United States toward an exit — is just the first of a set of tricky messages Mr. Obama will have to deliver as he rolls out his strategy publicly.

Over the next week, he will deliver multiple messages to multiple audiences: voters at home, allies, the leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the extremists who are the enemy. And as Mr. Obama’s own aides concede, the messages directed at some may undercut the messages sent to others.

He must convince Democrats, especially the antiwar base that helped elect him, and the slim majority of the country that tells pollsters the conflict is no longer worth the sacrifice, that in sending more troops he is not escalating the war L.B.J.-style. In fact, some of those involved in the deliberations on an Afghanistan strategy say Mr. Obama will argue that providing the additional numbers is the fastest way to assure that the United States will be able to “finish the job,” because it will speed the training of the Afghan national army.

But at the same moment, he must persuade Republicans that he is giving the military what it needs to beat back the Taliban and keep Al Qaeda from threatening the United States.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/world/asia/25rollout.html?th&emc=th

[tekisui]

1. "If somewhat contradictory signal"

This report basically says, "Get ready for some spinning like a top"

[ixion]

2. "a set of tricky messages" == a whopping load of crap

thanks a pantload, Obama. :grr:

[Marshabar]

3. All Things to All People?

It is obvious that Obama doesn't want to fight with the people of the Middle East. But as he said, we're in there and during the past eight years things were not done correctly. Now he is going to use the benefit of his wisdom to end our presence in the Middle East.

It will be very interesting to see what he has in mind.

I think by saying so he is reassuring the Democrats in Congress that the expenditure of funds for that purpose will come to an end and they will be able to use those funds for other things they have in mind.

He is also reassuring anti-war constituents. And he is reassuring the military.

One thing to bear in mind is that with the lack of jobs in the private sector and with enlistments in the military way up, ending the war will put extra pressure on the economy. The funds now used for the war may have to be used to support those who are no longer fighting in the Middle East but who will then be at home with no jobs.

Obama ran successfully for the office of POTUS on promises that he knew how to solve the problems of the United States. The economic disaster resulting for the burst housing bubble, the ongoing mess in the Middle East, he said he had ideas for solving these crises.

Let's hope he does.

[kenny blankenship]

4. So like you can "project onto him whatever you want to see and hear"?