Biden's role in shaping America's policy toward Afghanistan | 8 comments (8 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Biden's role in shaping America's policy (none / 1)

If that's true, then it's a good thing. I have worried about Obama's delay in making a decision, largely because I fear he's too open to an escalation that will be the ending of any hope of progress on other issues.

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Mon Nov 30th, 2009 at 02:58:45 PM EST

Biden's dissent (4.00 / 3)

has been documented in the past few months, including:

From August, McClatchy: Pentagon worried about Obama's commitment to Afghanistan

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to talk to the media, said Biden has argued that without sustained support from the American people, the U.S. can't make the long-term commitment that would be needed to stabilize Afghanistan and dismantle al Qaida. Biden's office declined to comment.

From October, NYT: Biden No Longer a Lone Voice on Afghanistan

From the moment they took office, Mr. Biden has been Mr. Obama's in-house pessimist on Afghanistan, the strongest voice against further escalation of American forces there and the leading doubter of the president's strategy. It was a role that may have been lonely at first, but has attracted more company inside the White House as Mr. Obama rethinks the strategy he unveiled just seven months ago.

What is new the picture, I think, is the impact Biden has made. To know the extent of his impact, Obama's announcement tomorrow will be an indicator.

by Magnifico on Mon Nov 30th, 2009 at 03:29:02 PM EST
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Biden's role in shaping America's policy toward Afghanistan | 8 comments (8 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)