How committed are you to U.S. continuing war in Afghanistan?
The war in Afghanistan could soon become a real test for the young Obama administration. The Taliban has posted a video online of a young Idaho solider captured there.
Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl shown here in a video made by his captors, members of the Taliban.
In the video - Bowe Bergdahl is prompted by his captors to beg for the withdrawal of U.S. troops, saying the U.S. is wasting time and lives there. The 23-year-old says he misses his friends and family and is scared he won't be able to go home.
The U.S. has condemned the video as a violation of international law.
Meanwhile - after eight years of war in Afghanistan - a new Gallup poll shows 36 percent of Americans say the U.S. involvement there was a mistake; compared to the 58 percent who say our involvement in Iraq was a mistake. 54 percent of those surveyed say things are going well for the U.S. in Afghanistan.
But public support may not last forever. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says U.S.-led forces must show progress there by next summer; otherwise the American people will believe the war has become un-winnable.
Gates says victory in Afghanistan is a "long-term prospect," and that after the Iraq experience, the American people won't have the stomach for a "long slog" in another conflict: "The troops are tired; the American people are pretty tired."
The U.S. recently sent an additional 21,000 troops to Afghanistan - after a year that saw a significant increase in extremist attacks against U.S. and NATO troops.
Here's my question to you: How committed are you to the United States continuing the war in Afghanistan?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
New Afghan law might legalize rape
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The U.S. has some serious thinking to do when it comes to that democracy we're supporting in Afghanistan. Almost eight years after we booted out the Taliban, the U.S. backed President, Hamid Karzai, has reportedly signed a law which critics say legalizes rape.
A new Afghan law makes it legal for men to rape their wives.
Human rights groups and some Afghan lawmakers say the law legalizes the rape of a wife by her husband by not allowing her to refuse sex, and prevents women from leaving the house without a man's permission.
One legislator doesn't even remember the parliament debating or voting on the law - but the law it is.
Karzai hasn't commented on the law yet, but critics say he only signed this legislation for political purposes as a nod to Shia clerics in the country who control about 20 percent of the votes. Karzai is up for re-election in a few months. And they worry laws like these could erase any gains made for womens rights since the Taliban left power.
Meanwhile Secretary of State Hillary Clinton now says the U.S. is backing Afghan plans to hold talks with moderate Taliban members. Clinton says moderate factions of the Taliban should be offered "an honorable form of reconciliation and reintegration into a peaceful society if they are willing to abandon violence, break with al Qaeda and support the constitution."
Presumably, they would also renounce raping their wives.
The question remains if there's anyone "moderate" in those parts worth talking to when the official government can pass these kinds of laws.
Here's my question to you: In light of a new Afghan law that might legalize rape, should the U.S. be backing talks with moderate Taliban?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Should U.S. send more troops to Afghanistan?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama is stepping up the U.S. effort in Afghanistan. He says the U.S. will send 4,000 more troops there in addition to the 17,000 additional combat troops he authorized last month.
Pres. Obama says the U.S. will send 4,000 more troops to Afghanistan in addition to the 17,000 he authorized last month.
Mr. Obama is describing a "comprehensive" new strategy to confront the growing threat in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Seven and a half years after the 9/11 attacks he says al Qaeda is planning new attacks against the U.S. from its safe haven in Pakistan.
President Obama says up until now Afghanistan has been denied the resources it needs because of the war in Iraq; and he's pledging those 4,000 additional troops to help train the Afghan Army and police - new legislation that would help the economies of both countries; and more civilian help to develop Afghanistan's economy and corrupt government.
As for Pakistan, the president says that after years of mixed results, the U.S. won't provide a "blank check" to them; they'll have to prove they're committed to rooting out al Qaeda.
It seems like Mr. Obama has public support behind him here. A recent CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows 63 percent of those surveyed favor his plan to send an additional 17,000 troops into Afghanistan. However, he also has his work cut out for him: While 62 percent say the U.S. can eventually win the war there, only half that many think the U.S. is winning now.
Here’s my question to you: Should the U.S. send additional troops to Afghanistan?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Talking to Taliban a good idea?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama may have started a bit of a sandstorm with his suggestion to reach out to moderate members of the Taliban in order to end the Afghan insurgency.
President Obama suggests that like U.S. peace agreements with Sunni militias, there may be similar opportunities in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In an interview with the New York Times, the president suggested that just like the U.S. made peace agreements with Sunni militias in Iraq, there may be similar opportunities in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mr. Obama acknowledged that this situation could be more complex than Iraq.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai welcomed the proposal; and some Western politicians and military officials say this war can't be won by military means alone - that some kind of reconciliation will be necessary.
But others are more skeptical. One expert says "'moderate Taliban" is like "moderate killer - is there such a thing?" And CNN National Security Analyst Peter Bergen says doing deals with the Taliban could further destabilize Afghanistan. He says it will always be possible to bribe some Taliban - pointing out that the Afghan government has had an amnesty program for Taliban fighters for four years and thousands have already agreed to it.
But Bergen says these kinds of deals are more "in the realm of fantasy than sustainable policy." For starters, he says the Afghan government is too weak to negotiate with the Taliban. Also, the Taliban believe they may be winning in Afghanistan so they probably see no need to talk. Bergen says the Taliban and al Qaeda have grown much closer since 9/11 and it will likely be more difficult now to separate them.
Here’s my question to you: Is talking to the Taliban a good idea?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
U.S. losing war in Afghanistan?
Soldiers with a joint U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force Provincial Reconstruction Team keep cover in Afghanistan's Shemgal Valley. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The U.S. is losing the war in Afghanistan - so says Senator John McCain.
"When you aren't winning in this kind of war, you are losing. And, in Afghanistan today, we are not winning," said McCain.
The former presidential candidate says although he approves of President Obama's plan to send 17,000 more troops there. He thinks additional allied and Afghan troops will be needed to bat back a resurgent al Qaeda and Taliban. He's calling for the U.S. to set up a larger military headquarters and to boost nonmilitary assistance.
The Arizona Senator says that the situation in Afghanistan is nowhere near as bad as it was in Iraq - but that insurgent attacks were up sharply last year and violence increased more than 500 percent in the last 4 years.
McCain's comments come after those of Defense Secretary Robert Gates - who has said the U.S. faces "a very tough test" in Afghanistan, although Gates is confident we will "rise to the occasion."
A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll shows most Americans agree with McCain... only 31% say the U.S. is currently winning the war in Afghanistan, although 62% say the U.S. can eventually win it.
Meanwhile - when it comes to the other war, the one in Iraq, McCain is among several Republicans backing President Obama's plan to pull most U.S. troops out by August 2010. McCain says the plan is a "reasonable" one and he's "cautiously optimistic" that it can lead to success.
Here’s my question to you: Is John McCain right that the U.S. is losing the war in Afghanistan?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
More troops to Afghanistan?
American soldiers search for caves concealing weapons in eastern Afghanistan. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama has decided to send another 17,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. More than 7 years into the war there, this move will increase U.S. troop levels by 50%. The president insists that "urgent attention and swift action" are needed to fight a resurgent Taliban and al Qaeda. The increased troop levels are expected to last 3 to 4 years.
American and NATO casualties – along with Taliban attacks- were at record highs last year. War-related civilian deaths were up almost 40%.
Although Mr. Obama hasn't made a call yet on troop cuts in Iraq, his decision will move troops to Afghanistan who had been scheduled to deploy to Iraq. The president has said he wants to limit objectives in Afghanistan. These new troops will be headed to southern and eastern regions, will help train the Afghan army and help provide security for the August elections.
The U.S. commander in Afghanistan had actually asked for more than 30,000 additional troops, which would have doubled the current force.
A tough decision – one of many – made by the new president these days, especially when you consider the public may not be behind escalating our military effort in Afghanistan. Recent polls shows 34% of Americans think the U.S. should send more troops there. 29% call for a decrease. Also, only 18% of Afghans think we should step up our presence – not exactly a warm welcome.
Here’s my question to you: Is a prolonged American military presence in Afghanistan a good idea?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
War in Afghanistan "much tougher than Iraq"?
A top diplomat recently said the war in Afghanistan will be a "long, difficult struggle." A US military raid recently destroyed 270 homes and displaced hundreds of families. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Just in case President Obama doesn't have enough worries at home with the economy, one of his top diplomats is now warning that the war in Afghanistan will be "much tougher than Iraq."
Richard Holbrooke - the special representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan - insists that there's no "magic formula" and that it will be a "long, difficult struggle." Holbrooke knows a thing or two about dealing with conflict, he's got a long resume that includes negotiating an end to the war in Bosnia.
The president has made it clear that Afghanistan will be a top priority and his administration is deciding whether to send another 30,000 troops there, which would almost double the current troop strength.
Speaking at the same meeting as Holbrooke, General David Petraeus said there's been nothing easy about Afghanistan. He described the country's many needs - ranging from ground troops to intelligence, surveillance, special ops, you name it. There are high expectations that Petraeus can mirror the progress he made in Iraq.
The U.S. is also calling on the international community to step up its role in the war-torn nation.
Although Afghan President Hamid Karzai acknowledges security problems - he says they've had success in areas like roads and health care. Mr. Karzai insists his country is not a "narco state" or "failed state." It's probably worth noting that he's up for re-election this summer.
Meanwhile, a new poll of the Afghan people shows support for Mr. Karzai's government, the U.S. and NATO plummeting - so President Obama has his work cut out for him.
Here’s my question to you: What does it mean when one top diplomat says the war in Afghanistan will be "much tougher than Iraq"?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Why don’t we take better care of our veterans?
The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs report that battlefield injuries and deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan have increased significantly. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
An article by the group Truthout sheds light on a true national tragedy.
The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs report that battlefield injuries and deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan are up, way up.
According to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by the group Veterans for Common Sense, the number of veteran patients now stands at more than 400,000, up from 263,909 in December 2007.
Mental illness, mainly post traumatic stress disorder, is the diagnosis for 45% of them.
Lawmakers have helped some. the Dignity for Warriors Act was passed, which gives veterans up to five years of free health care for military-related conditions.
But getting adequate health care and compensation is still a problem, according to Truthout.
Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee released a statement asking for veterans to be considered in the stimulus bill. It's a request that is beyond reasonable.
He said, "We can invigorate the economy by modernizing the 153 existing V-A medical facilities, repairing veterans' cemeteries, constructing new V-A hospitals, addressing the claims backlog, and investing in vocational rehabilitation for our returning combat veterans."
According to Filner, the House version of the bill includes $1-billion for veterans while the Senate allots $3.94-billion. We'll see what passes in the end.
Here’s my question to you: Why doesn’t this country do a better job of taking care of its veterans?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Should Pres. Bush Pardon American Taliban Lindh?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The parents of John Walker Lindh, the American-born Taliban fighter, held a press conference pleading with President Bush to pardon their son before he leaves office next month.
The 27-year-old San Francisco man was captured in Afghanistan by Northern Alliance forces in 2001 after he was shot and wounded during a prison uprising. He was turned over to American authorities.
In 2002 Lindh was sentenced to 20 years after pleading guilty to serving in the Taliban Army. He's currently at a federal prison in Indiana.
His parents asked the President to show mercy for their son during the Christmas season. His father repeated what he's said in the past, that his son ended up in Afghanistan during a civil war while studying Islam abroad, saying he joined the Taliban with no intention of fighting against America.
While in office 10,000 petitions have been filed requesting pardons from the President. Fewer than 200 have been granted. Lindh's request is in a pile along with those for former Illinois Governor George Ryan, and junk bonds salesman Michael Milken. There's speculation that Bush may pardon former Cheney Chief of Staff Scooter Libby. He already commuted Libby's prison sentence. Libby was convicted in connection with the Valerie Plame CIA scandal.
Here’s my question to you: Should President Bush commute the sentence of John Walker Lindh, the so-called Taliban American?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Additional U.S. Troops to Afghanistan?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Defense Secretary Robert Gates plans to move three more combat brigades–thousands of additional soldiers– to Afghanistan by next summer.
Gates is in Kandahar, Afghanistan today meeting with military leaders there.
The U.S. currently has about 31,000 troops in Afghanistan, about one-quarter of the troop level in Iraq. But violence has skyrocketed in Afghanistan over the past two years. This year has been the deadliest year for U.S. troops there since the war began in 2001.
Gates told reporters the ideal size of U.S. military presence in Iraq is still being debated even though a status of forces agreement has been reached with the Iraqi government calling for U.S. troops to be in Iraq through the end of 2011.
Gates is going through a awkward transition right now. Last week, President-elect Obama announced he would keep Gates on as the Secretary of Defense. But for the next six weeks, Gates is answering to the Bush administration.
In a sign he is looking forward, Gates told reporters building up the Afghan army and improving cooperation with Kabul on security operations is key for the Obama administration…an administration he'll officially be part of come January 20.
Here’s my question to you: Should the U.S. send additional troops to Afghanistan?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
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