US leaders acknowledge 'tough' going in Afghanistan

[ElNono]

US leaders acknowledge 'tough' going in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush on Wednesday acknowledged "a tough month" for NATO and US-led forces in Afghanistan but insisted the war-fighting strategy there is working, despite increasing violence.

"It has been a tough month in Afghanistan, but it's also been a tough month for the Taliban," he said, after the coalition in June suffered its deadliest month since the 2001 ouster of the Islamist militia.

Forty-nine soldiers from the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the separate US-led coalition died in combat, attacks or accidents in June, according to an AFP tally based on military statements.

June accounted for more than 40 percent of the 122 deaths of foreign soldiers in Afghanistan during 2008, according to the independent website Icasualties.org.

Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, confessed meanwhile to being "deeply troubled" by recent military challenges in Afghanistan, as Taliban troops ramp up their attacks on Western targets.

"I am and have been for some time now, deeply troubled by the increasing violence there," Mullen said.

"The Taliban and their supporters have, without question, grown more effective and more aggressive in recent weeks, and as the casualty figures clearly demonstrate," he said.

Bush nevertheless remained upbeat.

"I'm confident that the strategy is going to work," Bush said, sidestepping a question on whether he would send more US troops to Afghanistan by saying that he is constantly reviewing the needs on the ground.

"One reason why there have been more deaths is because our troops are taking the fight to a tough enemy" deeply at odds with the United States, he said. "Of course there's going to be resistance."

"We're constantly reviewing troop needs, troop levels. We're halfway through 2008. As I said, we're going to increase troops by 2009," said the US leader.

"We're constantly reassessing and seeing whether or not, you know, we can change tactics in order to achieve our objective," he said.

Violence has increased in southern and eastern Afghanistan which has borne the brunt of the Taliban-led insurgency since the hardline regime was toppled in a US-led invasion in late 2001.

Mullen said he hoped to be able to deploy more troops to Afghanistan "just as soon as I can," but said "those forces will not be available unless or until the situation in Iraq permits us to do so."

He added: "I'm hopeful toward the end of the year, opportunities like that would be created."

Official figures showed that US and coalition casualty levels in Afghanistan exceeded those in Iraq for the second month in a row.

Most of the 49 were killed by roadside bombs hitting their convoys or patrols.

By contrast, 31 soldiers including 29 Americans were killed in Iraq in June despite the fact that there are more than twice as many troops there as in Afghanistan, Icasualties figures showed.

International casualties in Afghanistan also outstripped those in Iraq in May, 23 compared to 21.

Meanwhile, insurgent forces managed to shoot down with small arms fire a helicopter from the US-led coalition in Afghanistan near Kabul, but US officials said there were no deaths or serious injuries.

LINK (http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jaqWEcGSevTY5pUGjM-AbMwRw7jg)

[RandomGuy]

heh, during the Soviet occupation, the resistance fighters would bring down Russion choppers flying though valleys with rocks. Yes rocks.

Just start lobbing 5 to 10 pound rocks at any given rotor blade of a helicopter in flight to see what I mean.

Gawd the thing I read that in was pre-internet, Time magazine, so don't ask for a link of the top of my head on that.

[2centsworth]

"One reason why there have been more deaths is because our troops are taking the fight to a tough enemy" deeply at odds with the United States, he said. "Of course there's going to be resistance."

That's spin. No mention of how the taliban is gaining strength in Peshwar region of Pakistan and are using that territory as a base to launch suicide attacks. We can't defeat the Taliban if they have sanctuary in Pakistan.

[1369]

That's spin. No mention of how the taliban is gaining strength in Peshwar region of Pakistan and are using that territory as a base to launch suicide attacks. We can't defeat the Taliban if they have sanctuary in Pakistan.

How is that spin? As NATO forces are starting to actively hunt and fight with the Taliban it stands to reason that there are going to be more casualities.

And I believe that your last sentence is spot on.

[2centsworth]

How is that spin? As NATO forces are starting to actively hunt and fight with the Taliban it stands to reason that there are going to be more casualities.

And I believe that your last sentence is spot on. It distracts from the main problem which is Pakistan IMO.

[boutons_]

dubya's going to surge in Afghanistan, but the military brass say Iraq, remember Iraq?, has soaked up all the resources.

The wars are un-winnable, but who cares? As long as the MIC is pocketing $Bs, keep the wars running, start the oil pumps pumping.

"U.S. Lawmakers Invested in Iraq, Afghanistan Wars"

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41893

"U.S. deploys more than 43,000 unfit for combat"

http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2008-05-07-nondeploy_N.htm


It's REALLY REALLY time that the red-state kids join McSenile's son and help dubya with his bullshit wars. Where are all the red-state Super Patriots? Not the poseurs on this forum, who are all TALK and NO WALK.

[Oh, Gee!!]

"I'm confident that the strategy is going to work," Bush said.

"We're constantly reassessing and seeing whether or not, you know, we can change tactics in order to achieve our objective," he said.

Excuse me for wanting a little more than "it's gonna work, trust us."

[boutons_]

"I'm confident that the strategy is going to work,"

and a huge majority of Ameirca, and the world, knows you're lying, and have been wrong on EVERY count for 7 years.

[1369]

"I'm confident that the strategy is going to work,"

and a huge majority of Ameirca, and the world, knows you're lying, and have been wrong on EVERY count for 7 years.

Yep, nothing in Iraq has worked... (http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,563471,00.html)

[boutons_]

"Yep, nothing in Iraq has worked... (http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,563471,00.html)"

50% unemployment, health care a disaster, 100s of 1000s of Iraqis killed, looking ahead to decades of $200B/year oppressive occupation of Iraq by US, ACTIVELY and democratically rejected by Iraqis.

So if Iraq is "won", why can't dubya perform Iraqus Interruptus?

.. because Iraq isn't won, at all, and dubya needs the US military to protect the US/UK oilcos rip-off of the Iraqi oil.

[2centsworth]

Boutons,

In you opinion should we have invaded Afghanistan?

[boutons_]

Yes, going after the Taleban for harboring AQ and AQ was fully justified, as was invading Iraq fully unjustified.

But as in every occupation, the locals, in Iraq and Afghanistan, are in THEIR country, are extremely motivated to repel the invaders/occupiers, and will outlast and outlive the occupying forces (see: American Revolution vs King of England, etc, etc, etc).

iow, the natives will NOT BE APPEASED.

[2centsworth]

Yes, going after the Taleban for harboring AQ and AQ was fully justified, as was invading Iraq fully unjustified.

But as in every occupation, the locals, in Iraq and Afghanistan, are in THEIR country, are extremely motivated to repel the invaders/occupiers, and will outlast and outlive the occupying forces (see: American Revolution vs King of England, etc, etc, etc).

iow, the natives will NOT BE APPEASED.

So what's the problem with Afghanistan? How do we win that war or do we just leave? Right now as I see it, Pakistan is complicit in the reemergence of the Taliban. How do we solve that problem?

[boutons_]

"A Shortage Of Troops in Afghanistan

Iraq War Limits U.S. Options, Says Chairman of Joint Chiefs"


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/02/AR2008070202010.html?hpid=topnews

========

The problem with Aghanistan is strategic. The attack in response to 9/11 was justified, but there was no post-attack/exit strategy (although building pipelines from central Asian oil basins across Afghanistan is very attractive).

The locals will simply outlast the unwelcome invaders. The best offense is good defense, iow, defend the homeland rather than go on offense into other countries,and above all, avoid open-ended occupation in hostile countries.

[2centsworth]

"A Shortage Of Troops in Afghanistan

Iraq War Limits U.S. Options, Says Chairman of Joint Chiefs"





what's your solution?

[boutons_]

there is no solution, only smaller problems.

Pulling out of Iraq is a start, with surveillance from other US-occupied Gulf states.

[boutons_]

The invaders/occupiers can't win't, no exit strategy, can't leave, are trapped in a hell hole, the troops are beyond exhausted.

"It's a very complex problem, and it's tied to the drug trade, a faltering economy and, as I've said many times, the porous border region with Pakistan. There's no easy solution, and there will be no quick fix."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/03/AR2008070301938.html?hpid=moreheadlines

[2centsworth]

The invaders/occupiers can't win't, no exit strategy, can't leave, are trapped in a hell hole, the troops are beyond exhausted.

"It's a very complex problem, and it's tied to the drug trade, a faltering economy and, as I've said many times, the porous border region with Pakistan. There's no easy solution, and there will be no quick fix."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/03/AR2008070301938.html?hpid=moreheadlines


we need the rest of the worlds help with manpower. Then we need a way to say it's not our fault, so Bush needs to volunteer to be the sacrificial lamb. At that point we can pull out of IRAQ and replace our troops with NATO troops. Of course NATO will allow a genocidal atrocity, so I'm torn. Then we need to focus and kill off the Taliban and secure our borders.

[Wild Cobra]

The invaders/occupiers can't win't, no exit strategy, can't leave, are trapped in a hell hole, the troops are beyond exhausted.

I sure am glad we didn't have many like you in 1775/1776!

[boutons_]

"1775/1776!"

... Colonial "terrorists" and "irregulars" kicking out the King who was sucking out taxes and resources, very much the way dubya is sucking oil out of Iraq.

[DarrinS]

Then we need a way to say it's not our fault, so Bush needs to volunteer to be the sacrificial lamb.


We need a way to say it's not our fault?

[2centsworth]

We need a way to say it's not our fault?

Not America's fault, yes. We went in there thinking IRAQ was an emminent threat and they were not. result has been a divided country that if the US leaves will be another killing field. Right now the rest of the world thinks it's our fault and believes it's our responsibility to clean it up. An apology and a plea to the rest of the world for help makes sense to me.

[DarrinS]

Not America's fault, yes. We went in there thinking IRAQ was an emminent threat and they were not. result has been a divided country that if the US leaves will be another killing field. Right now the rest of the world thinks it's our fault and believes it's our responsibility to clean it up. An apology and a plea to the rest of the world for help makes sense to me.


An apology and a plea to the rest of the world for help?


Who thinks like this?

[2centsworth]

An apology and a plea to the rest of the world for help?


Who thinks like this?

I do,. The apology doesnkt have to be sincere.

[ElNono]

Not America's fault, yes. We went in there thinking IRAQ was an emminent threat and they were not. result has been a divided country that if the US leaves will be another killing field. Right now the rest of the world thinks it's our fault and believes it's our responsibility to clean it up. An apology and a plea to the rest of the world for help makes sense to me.

Actually, we made a charade in the UN (Colin Powell et all), where all these countries basically called our bluff. And instead of listening, we went there anyways.
So it's too late to say it was not America's fault.

[2centsworth]

Actually, we made a charade in the UN (Colin Powell et all), where all these countries basically called our bluff. And instead of listening, we went there anyways.
So it's too late to say it was not America's fault.. Dont be a fraekin traitor

[ElNono]

. Dont be a fraekin traitor

I'm not American, so I couldn't possibly be a traitor.

[2centsworth]

I'm not American, so I couldn't possibly be a traitor.

Obviouisly. I would knife you in a new york minute for my country

[ElNono]

Obviouisly. I would knife you in a new york minute for my country

You'll probably be dead by the time you try to reach for the knife.

[2centsworth]

You'll probably be dead by the time you try to reach for the knife.

Im sure ur country wants a piece of the US lol.

[ElNono]

Im sure ur country wants a piece of the US lol.

Hmm... I live in the US. Love this country.

[2centsworth]

Then be grateful u little prick

[ElNono]

Then be grateful u little prick

I am grateful, every day. That said, dubya can go rot in hell. He's got it well deserved.

[boutons_]

"We went in there thinking IRAQ was an emminent threat"

False. dubya invaded for oil, behind all the bullshit lies, knowing full well that Iraq posed no threat to USA.

[PEP]

"We went in there thinking IRAQ was an emminent threat"

False. dubya invaded for oil, behind all the bullshit lies, knowing full well that Iraq posed no threat to USA.

I hope we invaded for their oil, because it sure is making a huge difference at the gas pumps. It had nothing to do with the numerous UN resolutions they constantly violated or the continued massacre of their own citizens. Fuck dude, we're there and taking care of business, quit your friggin crying already. I like reading your posts for the entertainment value but come on man live a little and enjoy life without always acting like someone shoved a dildo up your ass*

*Not speaking from experience...:p:

[PEP]

dubya's going to surge in Afghanistan, but the military brass say Iraq, remember Iraq?, has soaked up all the resources.

The wars are un-winnable, but who cares? As long as the MIC is pocketing $Bs, keep the wars running, start the oil pumps pumping.

"U.S. Lawmakers Invested in Iraq, Afghanistan Wars"

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41893

"U.S. deploys more than 43,000 unfit for combat"

http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2008-05-07-nondeploy_N.htm


It's REALLY REALLY time that the red-state kids join McSenile's son and help dubya with his bullshit wars. Where are all the red-state Super Patriots? Not the poseurs on this forum, who are all TALK and NO WALK.

Been there, done that bufoon. Will go again if I have to, I'd enjoy your company next time I head out. Can I count on you??

[Anti.Hero]

heh, during the Soviet occupation, the resistance fighters would bring down Russion choppers flying though valleys with rocks. Yes rocks.

Just start lobbing 5 to 10 pound rocks at any given rotor blade of a helicopter in flight to see what I mean.

Gawd the thing I read that in was pre-internet, Time magazine, so don't ask for a link of the top of my head on that.

Bunch of Rambo wannabes!

[ElNono]

I hope we invaded for their oil, because it sure is making a huge difference at the gas pumps. It had nothing to do with the numerous UN resolutions they constantly violated or the continued massacre of their own citizens.

Riiiiiiight... the same UN that did not authorize the use of force in Iraq? How about the massacre between Sunni and Shiite that the invasion triggered? I'm sure the 3.9 million of refugees thank you every day!
In the meantime, our Texas Oil lords are making sure we suck out the Oil from there ASAP! (LINK (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/03/world/middleeast/03kurdistan.html?ref=world))
Give me a fucking break

[PEP]

Riiiiiiight... the same UN that did not authorize the use of force in Iraq? How about the massacre between Sunni and Shiite that the invasion triggered? I'm sure the 3.9 million of refugees thank you every day!
In the meantime, our Texas Oil lords are making sure we suck out the Oil from there ASAP! (LINK (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/03/world/middleeast/03kurdistan.html?ref=world))
Give me a fucking break
I really dont give a fuck why we invaded, I just hope we get all the oil we can out of Iraq. I've done my part for my country and I'll happily invade Iran if needed.

Have you been over there and been thanked by those that have had family members taken away never to be seen again?? Happy that they dont have to live in fear anymore.

[ElNono]

Have you been over there and been thanked by those that have had family members taken away never to be seen again?? Happy that they dont have to live in fear anymore.

I've seen tanks rolling in front of my house, so I know pretty fucking well what is to live in a country at war. The scars left take decades, if not more, to heal.
I don't personally blame you, because I understand it was not your call to invade. And I also understand that is very honorable what you do for your country. But believe me, every single kid you hand candy to that is motherless or fatherless because they were 'collateral damage', will remember you for the rest of their lives. Just as much as those that thank you for their freedom. Just like every single one of the 3.9 million displaced.
There's always two sides to every coin. It's important to remember both.

[Nbadan]

Have you been over there and been thanked by those that have had family members taken away never to be seen again?? Happy that they dont have to live in fear anymore.

Oh please.....Saddam was a murderous bastard, but to claim that people aren't disappearing and found later decapitated or with hands or other limbs cut off and shot in the head is complete and utter bullshit....

[Nbadan]

Been there, done that bufoon. Will go again if I have to, I'd enjoy your company next time I head out. Can I count on you??

If you think this war is on the same level as, say, WW1 or WW2 then you should go fight, but obviously many people have no problem with other people fighting wars for them or there would be no shortage of troops to rotate in and out of the combat zones we are currently engage in....