The World According to M.I.S.S.: Obama Sends 30,000 Troops to Afghanistan

Barack Obama announced his plans to deploy around 30,000 troops to Afghanistan



Addressing the United States in a broadcasted speech President Barack Obama announced his plans to deploy around 30,000 troops to Afghanistan after reviewing the nations strategy at the West Point military academy in New York. Although this deployment if US military is not being labeled an invasion, the announcement comes on the heels of the deadliest couple of months during the war in Iraq, a fight that has been taking place for at least eight years. President Obama has also announced plans to begin pulling troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan in 18 months, a decision that is said to instill a sense of urgency in the Afghan government to become a trustworthy sovereignty free of corruption; a task that hasn’t always been the easiest to accomplish.

“I do not make this decision lightly,” he said. “I opposed the war in Iraq precisely because I believe that we must exercise restraint in the use of military force, and always consider the long-term consequences of our actions.”

Sending troops won’t come cheap to the American public, not surprisingly. It’s been estimated that the deployment will cost an outstanding $32.4 billion dollars, which sounds like a much bigger number if you think about the fact that our economies recovery is at a stand still – not getting better, but thankfully not any worse. As much as this military push is costing Americans, it necessary. Obama claims that the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan is the center of Al-Qaeda activity, and is threatening the safety of the nation. While watching his address to his constituents, you could sense the urgency in his voice, something I hadn’t seen from an official since 9/11.

He said new attacks were “being plotted as I speak” and that al-Qaeda and its allies must also face “growing pressure and strong partnerships” in Yemen and Somalia. Mr Obama insisted that the core goal of the refined strategy was unchanged: to disrupt, dismantle and eventually defeat al-Qaeda and to ensure the Taliban could not overthrow the Afghan Government.

So in the next couple months more lives will be put on the line for the safety of a nation. I’m sure this was a very difficult decision for the President to come to, (especially seeing that in his campaign he basically promised the troops would be home by now), but as difficult as it’s been, it also seems necessary. Right?