McChrystal's Unclassified Afghan Assessment
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muse
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A letter from the TImes I thought was interesting:
September 26, 2009
Letters to the Editor
Italy and Afghanistan
Just as tragic as the recent deaths of Italian soldiers in Kabul at the hands of a suicide bomber was the reaction by some people in Italys political and media establishment calling for the withdrawal of Italian troops from Afghanistan.
Unwittingly, they only embolden the insurgents who seek to remove the international presence in Afghanistan and restore tyranny and oppression.
Such behavior encourages more attacks and places at greater risk the lives of all those, both Afghans and foreigners, struggling to create a better country. Such behavior will lead insurgents to conclude that increased attacks on foreigners will provoke greater domestic reactions and eventual withdrawal.
Instead of supporting and encouraging their troops in their greatest hour of need, those observers calling for withdrawal seek short-term political gain to the detriment of Italys national interest. They are denigrating the lives of the six deceased soldiers and endangering the lives of other Italian troops and civilians involved in Afghanistan and other international peacekeeping operations around the world.
Its time to grow up and assume greater responsibility. Italy is the fourth largest contributor of troops in Afghanistan. It leads international operations in the western part of the country, and has a significant civilian presence there. As a top-ten global economy and leading member of the international community, Italy also plays a vital role in international peacekeeping.
On a recent trip to Afghanistan, I met with Italian soldiers and witnessed first-hand their seriousness, professionalism and commitment to the mission. If more people in Italys political and media establishment would reflect on these qualities, Italians would be better off at home and enjoy an enhanced standing abroad.
Marco Vicenzino, Washington
Director, Global Strategy Project
September 26, 2009
Letters to the Editor
Italy and Afghanistan
Just as tragic as the recent deaths of Italian soldiers in Kabul at the hands of a suicide bomber was the reaction by some people in Italys political and media establishment calling for the withdrawal of Italian troops from Afghanistan.
Unwittingly, they only embolden the insurgents who seek to remove the international presence in Afghanistan and restore tyranny and oppression.
Such behavior encourages more attacks and places at greater risk the lives of all those, both Afghans and foreigners, struggling to create a better country. Such behavior will lead insurgents to conclude that increased attacks on foreigners will provoke greater domestic reactions and eventual withdrawal.
Instead of supporting and encouraging their troops in their greatest hour of need, those observers calling for withdrawal seek short-term political gain to the detriment of Italys national interest. They are denigrating the lives of the six deceased soldiers and endangering the lives of other Italian troops and civilians involved in Afghanistan and other international peacekeeping operations around the world.
Its time to grow up and assume greater responsibility. Italy is the fourth largest contributor of troops in Afghanistan. It leads international operations in the western part of the country, and has a significant civilian presence there. As a top-ten global economy and leading member of the international community, Italy also plays a vital role in international peacekeeping.
On a recent trip to Afghanistan, I met with Italian soldiers and witnessed first-hand their seriousness, professionalism and commitment to the mission. If more people in Italys political and media establishment would reflect on these qualities, Italians would be better off at home and enjoy an enhanced standing abroad.
Marco Vicenzino, Washington
Director, Global Strategy Project
Bill Longley
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I think Mac Crystals report is very much realistic
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