Should the U.S. announce a timeline for withdrawal from
Afghanistan?
THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:
“Should the U.S. announce a timeline for withdrawal from Afghanistan?” Yes: 6 No: 4
? Karen Anderson: “Yes. Time to go. It has to end sometime and this puts pressure on the military and civilian leaders to get cracking with Karzai.”
? Dave Appling: “No. Never. Published timelines make no military sense, encourage waiting us out, and seriously undermine our credibility with Afghanis and allies alike. Undated, event-oriented milestones? Yes, with caveats: military situations do have a habit of changing.”
? Chris Bryant: “No, If we aren’t done then why leave?” n Bob Chidester: “Absolutely No. This is not a game. Why would we telegraph our intent to our enemies?”
? David Cohen: “Yes. A timeline as a guideline.”
? Dennis Kennedy: “Yes, but with qualifications based on conditions in the field (military situation) and the viability of Afghanistan to stand on its own. The Afghans need to know that we are not there as occupiers and they must work to stand on their own.”
? Julian Mancias: “Yes. It’s time to get out of Afghanistan. There is nothing to be gained by being there. If it’s the Taliban, and Bin Laden, that we are after, they’re in Pakistan.”
? Henry Miller: “As a goal, yes. As a mandate, no. This may encourage the enemy to plan their attacks when we leave. But, more importantly, it will force the Afghans to know that they must eventually take responsibility for their own country.”
? Lisa Pampuch: “Either we need a clear, achievable mission OR we need a withdrawal plan.”
? Jeff Smith: “No. Why in the world would we want to broadcast our intentions to the enemy? To give them hope and further the cause of terrorism? Very unwise. I know the USA is smarter than that.””
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