Wesley Clark Tells Congress to Plan Exit Strategy in Afghanistan

[tekisui]

Source: Washington Times(sorry for the link the WT, looking for another)

Retired Gen. Wesley K. Clark urged members of Congress Tuesday to adopt an exit strategy for U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

Speaking to the House Armed Services subcommittee on oversight and investigations, Gen. Clark said American leaders should strengthen the partnership with Pakistan - including sharing intelligence on al Qaeda operations - and promote economic development in Afghanistan to undercut the drug trade that's fueled by poppy harvesting.

Gen. Clark, a former Democratic presidential candidate, praised President Obama for taking his time in developing an Afghanistan strategy and said that any troop increase should wait until a firm endgame has been established for U.S. involvement in the country.

"The legacy of Vietnam really looms over these discussions," said Gen. Clark, reflecting on his experience in Vietnam and the arc of one of the nation's most painful wars.

"It's particularly painful for me to see where we are in Afghanistan," he said.

U.S. forces commander Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal has requested up to 60,000 more American troops to support international forces. Pressure has built over the past three months on Mr. Obama to decide whether to support that call.

But there are risks to waiting to make that decision.

more: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/18/clark-tells-congress-to-plan-exit-strategy-in-afgh/

[bigtree]

1. The 'endgame' this Congress might come up with

. . . might actually be more lingering than the president has the (assumed) leeway to propose.

I'd also like to see Congress take more responsibility for these deployments (their constitutional responsibility), but I don't think that's a sure thing for those of us who just want to end the thing. One thing about Congress taking the lead though is these deployments could be subject to more influence from us on our individual legislators.

[tekisui]

2. The majority of the Democrats and Independents

are done with it. We may fare better if the voting public has its vote heard through Congress.

I am very pleased with General Clark's voice being added to those who say it is time to plan an exit.

[bigtree]

3. I dunno

Unless it's budget legislation, the Senate compromises can really muck things up. But I agree that they should take first crack. How likely do you think the prospect of that is?

[Tom Rinaldo]

4. Link to "Raw Story" coverage

I always listen closely to this man.
http://rawstory.com/2009/11/gen-wesley-clark-calls-exit-afghanistan/