THERE'S DANGER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

President Obama’s Afghanistan policy reminds me of the story of the man who refused to take sides during the civil war. It seems he decided to wear a Confederate shirt with Union trousers, but to his surprise, found that both sides were shooting at him.

Neither side concerned with the way to conduct this war is satisfied with the announcement of his policy.  Our President is not delivering the number of troops requested by the commander on the ground and announces to the enemy his time for withdrawal. By this choice, he is putting our men and women in the unenviable position of trying to meet a predetermined deadline without giving them the manpower that military minds determined were necessary.

On the other hand, he is displeasing his own constituency by not withdrawing as soon as possible.

He has essentially tried to please everyone and has actually pleased no one. It would be better to take one side or the other and have at least half the people on his side.

I, of course, would prefer victory by an overwhelming force, but if we are not going to fight to win, a hasty retreat would be best for our military. Unfortunately, a hasty withdrawal or a half fought war will be seen by our enemy in the same way, as a victory for the terrorists.