I think Obama is playing the Osama affair masterfully,

[Jackpine Radical]

handing out fig leaves to the Pakistanis, etc. If he wants it, this is his door out of Afghanistan. If he pulls out now, it will be as a conquering hero (while the islamists of various stripes also get to back down a little, having driven the hated westerners out of Afghanistan). Everybody saves face, and suddenly our budget is balanced.

Of course, then we'd have to resort to ordinary international negotiations and trade if we want all those rare-earth metals and want safe routes for our pipelines & whatnot.

[leftstreet]

1. What's the global reaction to all this? Are people dancing in the streets?

Can't find much on the news.

Are people in Iraq and Afghanistan anxiously awaiting the removal of US troops?

:shrug:

[Poll_Blind]

2. It would be very damned nice if anything came of this- like getting our troops home.

PB

[Jackpine Radical]

6. This is the best opportunity for a dignified withdrawal

that we're likely to see in this decade. Pulling out now, while the war savings have plenty of time to percolate through the economy and put America back to work, would solve just about every problem he has concerning re-election.

[krabigirl]

7. Yes, from all 3 wars. And ending the DHS/Patriot Act would be nice too. but none will happen.

the warfare and "security" state is too much of a moneymaker.

[PVnRT]

12. I think public opinion is going to swing that way after this

[PATRICK]

3. Might have known

this was in process while he was chiding reporters at the dinner about access to breaking news. In any case a very cool customer.

[Booster]

4. I agree. Pulling out and declaring victory will cinch re-election.

And we have a lot better things to do with our money right now - like in Alabama.

[HereSince1628]

5. I certainly think this is a piece of the road home that was needed

Whether it can be the piece that makes everything else fall into place...maybe.

[tekisui]

8. I agree. And conversely, if he doesn't seize this opportunity and things

get worse in Afghanistan or Pakistan, support will dwindle into nothing.

The boogey-man is gone. From here on out, it will be 'why are we still there?' I don't think the American people will be interested in staying through 2014 and beyond.

[socialist_n_TN]

9. I agree. As to the rest of your post about

ending the wars, now THAT I could celebrate unequivocally.

[ClarkUSA]

10. Pres. Obama has been planning to withdraw from Afghanistan on schedule anyway.

Now people can get a clue as to why, since this op has been planned since August 2010. July is the date when the first combat troops begin withdrawing. I posted an OP months ago where it explained how Pres. Obama wanted to withdraw a large number of troops whereas the Pentagon brass was resistant. Well, it looks as if the Pentagon might rethink that opposition now.

[myrna minx]

11. I agree with you, Jackpine. This could be a huge opportunity. n/t

[izquierdista]

13. Or....

We could reopen our own rare-earth mines in the California desert. Nah, forget it, those miners would want to be paid more than a Chinese peasant, leaving less for the corporation running it.

[Overseas]

14. I really hope so too.

It really could be his door out of Afghanistan.

[DirkGently]

15. It's a chance to prove we're there for the reasons stated. Not to try to control the flow of oil.