http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com 'An exploration of Afghan domestic and international politics Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:19:37 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The leaders of Britain's government have been facing an increasingly skeptical citizenry in terms of the nation's troop presence in Afghanistan, but they are fighting to keep morale and support for what they still believe is 'the biggest source of threat to our national security'.  Prime Minister Gordon Brown and ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/11/17/a-vigorous-defense-in-britain/ There have been growing signals, some blatant, that the Obama administration is looking for a way out of Afghanistan, even as they are still in the process of deciding on a new strategy, which is likely to involve the deployment of thousands more American and NATO troops. It of course ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/11/15/an-exit-strategy-before-a-strategy/ [caption id="attachment_693" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Thank You"][/caption] Happy Veteran’s Day! In honor of all American vets, and the foreign vets who have fought by our side in many wars, especially in Afghanistan, I would like to highlight President Obama’s Ft. Hood Memorial speech. Obama’s Memorial speech was one of his ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/11/11/happy-veterans-day/ Inside sources in the Obama administration have let it be known that an Afghan strategy has been chosen, but we won't officially hear about until the week of November 16, after Obama is back from his Asia tour (where he will meet with another dictator).  Until we hear more I'll ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/11/08/fox-sports-drops-by-our-afghan-troops/ I would just like to highlight this amazing story: A British Army explosives specialist who became a legend by risking his life to defuse more than 60 Taliban roadside bombs was killed in Afghanistan during his final mission before he took leave, the Times of London reported Tuesday. The specialist's name was ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/11/04/a-tribute-to-heros-to-americas-partners-in-afghanistan/ [caption id="attachment_682" align="aligncenter" width="124" caption=""Five more years, baby!""][/caption] Would be presidential runoff challenger Abdullah Abdullah is out and Hamid Karzai is staying in.  Everything is now all cleared up.  Right?  What?  There are issues still left to settle? Even solve?!? The near and long term future hold the answers to....President Obama's ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/11/02/karzai-stays-a-new-chapter/ The hilarious fake newspaper The Onion has a breaking news story...."US Continues Quagmire-Building Effort in Afghanistan" Though I can normally read Onion pieces and just let myself go and enjoy the hysterical satire, but I couldn't quite relax fully while reading this one.  Here's an excerpt: "We've spent a lot of time ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/10/28/the-onion-on-us-policy-in-afghanistan-funny-but-too-close-for-comfort/ In the past week or so there have been growing signs that the Obama administration is likely to choose an Afghan strategy closer to McChrystal's counterinsurgency plan than VP Joe Biden's counterterrorism stance.  However, most of these signs do not come directly from the administration as they have been rather ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/10/26/good-signals-for-mcchrystals-counterinsurgency-strategy/ Dexter Filkins' 'Stanley McChrystal's Long War' is an excellent profile of America’s top commander in Afghanistan and clearly showcases the challenges of going ‘all-in’ and ‘getting out’.  McChrystal comes off as vibrant, smart, and worthy General, but the task ahead of him is depicted as seemingly insurmountable. Here are some ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/10/20/gen-mcchrystal-profile-a-strong-man-a-stronger-challenge/ US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave an official interview this weekend where she largely discussed American policy in Afghanistan.  Here are some of the highlights: Regarding the Afghanistan’s Electoral Commission coming report about a possible runoff in the presidential election: "...we’re not positive what the election commission will recommend. But clearly, ... http://afghanistan.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2009/10/18/hillary-speaks-out-on-afghanistan/