SECDEF Gates is on GPS on CNN right now. I'll try to find a link to video later. Really good explanation of the strategy.
UPDATE "If there ever was an example that military force alone cannot succeed in Afghanistan, the Soviet experience in Afghanistan was it."
"If the Afghan people begin to see us as the occupiers, then we will lose."
Gates says he would be skeptical of any further raising of force structure in Afghanistan. He says that the partnership with the ANSF is the key to success for security in Afghanistan.
Plenty of other stuff on Afghanistan and the SECDEF's views on it. I'm nodding my head. My only question is if he can find enough leaders who can actually implement it. The Army is apparently full of COL(R) Macgregor mavens, still hoping that the halcyon days of the Weinberger/Powell doctrines where the military thought for some reason that it could determine its own role in national policy.
Update 2... the video. Part 1. Part 2.
Monday, May 4, 2009
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Yes I agree. This was a compelling interview and it is so good to have it underlined that there are steady hands on the wheel. Many stand out moments - as you point out - but it was his understated and considered demeanour which I think was the best thing. Thanks for drawing notice to this very good interview.
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