How Does Obama Define the Goal?
He’s not likely to use the “V-word” because victory is verboten in a war on terror that doesn’t exist to this White House. But if Obama doesn’t say success is our goal and be specific about what that means, the commander in chief will be ducking his chief responsibility. A mushy focus would undermine our troops, our allies and embolden the enemy. Unless our mission is clear and firm, major players in Afghanistan and Pakistan will see our commitment as subject to change without notice. Even the perception of shaky resolve will have negative consequences around the world, including in Iran and North Korea. #2: How Does Obama Define the Enemy? Last March, he announced a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan and repeatedly referred to the Taliban as well as Al Qaeda. They were inseparable when he said, “If the Afghan government falls to the Taliban — or allows Al Qaeda to go unchallenged — that country will again be a base for terrorists who want to kill as many of our people as they
