Take Your Time, Mr. President

From Viet Nam to Iraq and Afghanistan, the USA has waged war without an “end game” strategy and without understanding the culture of the countries we invade. It is a sad commentary on our political discourse and decision making when the President is criticized for taking time to understand the history and culture of Afghanistan, and to hear dissenting opinions about war strategy and how to proceed.

Critical voices from the right urge him to act now and send more young Americans to war, based solely on the recommendations from the “commander on the ground”. That is not the way our democracy is supposed to work.

The “commander on the ground” reports through the chain of command to the Commander in Chief, who must take into consideration a myriad of contingencies that include but go beyond the battlefront.  I commend the President for engaging in a thoughtful analysis and a painstakingly-thorough decision process before he sets a strategy that could commit more Americans to a foreign war.

It is preposterous to suggest that thinking through a complex issue— and taking time to reflect before  making a decision that could cost hundreds of lives— is somehow contrary to American interests.

I might not agree with the decision that President Obama eventually makes, but I am convinced that he is acting with sound judgment, and that he will choose a course of action  that he believes is in the best interests of our nation, Afghanistan, and the world. (Please add your comments at the bottom of the page)