Analysts Expect Long-Term, Costly U.S. Campaign in Afghanistan

[tekisui]

Source: Washington Post

As the Obama administration expands U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, military experts are warning that the United States is taking on security and political commitments that will last at least a decade and a cost that will probably eclipse that of the Iraq war.

Since the invasion of Afghanistan eight years ago, the United States has spent $223 billion on war-related funding for that country, according to the Congressional Research Service. Aid expenditures, excluding the cost of combat operations, have grown exponentially, from $982 million in 2003 to $9.3 billion last year.

The costs are almost certain to keep growing. The Obama administration is in the process of overhauling the U.S. approach to Afghanistan, putting its focus on long-term security, economic sustainability and development. That approach is also likely to require deployment of more American military personnel, at the very least to train additional Afghan security forces.

Later this month, Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, is expected to present his analysis of the situation in the country. The analysis could prompt an increase in U.S. troop levels to help implement President Obama's new strategy.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/08/AR2009080802283.html

[sendero]

1. It gets to the point..

... where something like "didn't they learn anything from Vietnam?" is no longer an explanation.

This military action is unwinnable. And the generals and the politicians damn well know it. So, why are we there? More military/industrial complex theft from all Americans.

[DrDan]

2. I am confused by that also

in Iraq I could almost understand the need for a presence - after all, we toppled their government.

What are we doing in Afghanistan. Economic development? Seems like there should be 100% focus of that here domestically. Security? What does that mean - more troops to protect our troops?

I agree with you - there is a profit to be made - hence we stay.

Insane.

[mwb970]

3. And the bush goes on.

And on, and on, and on.

[MadHound]

4. And the illegal, immoral war for empire goes on

This is going to wind up being costlier than Vietnam. Russia expended its treasure on Afghanistan, and collapsed shortly thereafter. I think that we can expect the same.