Survey - Afghan surge support

[30ashopper]

As President Obama mulls the military's request for a big troop build-up in Afghanistan, Americans have swung in favor of such a move, according to a new IBD/TIPP Poll.

The survey of 927 adults found that a plurality of 48% favors sending more troops and resources to Afghanistan. That's a sharp reversal from September, when Americans opposed the idea, 55%-35%.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forc es in Afghanistan, has reportedly asked for another 40,000 troops to help control rising violence.

But Obama is in no rush to make a decision, holding a series of high-level meetings with military and political advisers on his next move.
And the upsurge in overall support for more troops in the IBD/TIPP Poll may not sway Obama.

That's because the turnaround comes from a surge in support from Republicans ? up 27 points just in October to 72%. A month ago, GOP respondents had leaned against sending more troops, 47%-45%.
Independents narrowly support beefing up America's commitment to Afghanistan, 45%-42%.

But Democrats say no more blood and treasure by 57%-32%. Many congressional leaders have signaled their reluctance to send reinforcements.

"It is a very strange situation in that the president has more support from the opposition to send more troops," said Raghavan Mayur, president of Technometrica Market Intelligence, which conducted the survey.

..

"Historically, Americans have always hated to cut and run," she said. "They want to get tough and then get out."

Investors.com - Americans, In Reversal, Now Back Afghan Troop Surge


Interesting stats, there's more in the article.

What say you Sowal? Should we bail, or stay and fight?

 

[kkddbb]

STAY AND FIGHT!

peace cannot be brought by ignoring and surrendering to evil.

but, if we're going to fight this war we need to fight it. and we do that by allowing our military to do the fighting, not our politicians. we all saw what happens when you let politicians try to fight wars in vietnam.

its time for us once again to show the world that we will take the lead against evil. its time for us once again to show the world our strength

 

[poppy]

Since many are all too eager to let others do the fighting, let's see a surge in enlistments to relieve those who have done more than their fair share of tours of duty.:angry:

 

[AlphaCrab]

Since many are all too eager to let others do the fighting, let's see a surge in enlistments to relieve those who have done more than their fair share of tours of duty.:angry:

Yes. And let's reinstate the draft* for all American men and women 18 and over, so we can win these wars once and for all--let everyone (rich and poor), be united and take part in the honorable sacrifice to service and duty for our country.

I like the idea of sharing the sacrifice....or, like with the immigration issue, is war just a job for "someone else" because American people don't want to do it or just don't care? Maybe we should pay all the illegal immigrants to do the fighting FOR us?

*note: ...we would be out of both countries so fast it would make your head swim.

 

[Winnie]

Investors.com - Americans, In Reversal, Now Back Afghan Troop Surge


Interesting stats, there's more in the article.

What say you Sowal? Should we bail, or stay and fight?

I wish the Islamic fundamentalists would come to their senses or at least live apart from real civilization and keep to themselves. But since that isn't likely, I have to agree with President Obama:

The President put forth the central question:

Many people in the United States -- and many in partner countries that have sacrificed so much -- have a simple question: What is our purpose in Afghanistan? After so many years, they ask, why do our men and women still fight and die there? And they deserve a straightforward answer.

And gave his answer:

So I want the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their return to either country in the future. That's the goal that must be achieved. That is a cause that could not be more just.

The White House - Blog Post - A New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan

I really wish he would speak publicly on the matter more. He should express his support more vividly than he has. And please, announce a decision on Gen. McChrystal's request already.

And what about Honduras? Are we still planning to deny legitimacy to their November elections? I can't find any current info. from the White House.

 

[kkddbb]

Since many are all too eager to let others do the fighting, let's see a surge in enlistments to relieve those who have done more than their fair share of tours of duty.:angry:

ironically, i just read today about the enlistments being at its highest since the 70's. apparently. its in part to the economy. dont remember where i read it, looking for it now. hope i can figure out how to post it. not exactly a tech savvy fella.

and by the way, you could enlist too?

i noticed how "victory" wasnt mentioned....

 

[kkddbb]

Yes. And let's reinstate the draft* for all American men and women 18 and over, so we can win these wars once and for all--let everyone (rich and poor), be united and take part in the honorable sacrifice to service and duty for our country.

I like the idea of sharing the sacrifice....or, like with the immigration issue, is war just a job for "someone else" because American people don't want to do it or just don't care? Maybe we should pay all the illegal immigrants to do the fighting FOR us?

*note: ...we would be out of both countries so fast it would make your head swim.

oh my god is that silly....with all due respect.

we dont need the draft to win this war. we need to fight the war, not talk about fighting it. the hoops our military has to jump through to keep the political peace is sickening, killing our people and preventing victory. thats a fact!

and americans are fighting this war. what are you talking about? the only ones wanting to bail is the left in this nation-period. and than other nations hear what the left says daily and it prevents them from being on board on the level they should be. fact is, most nations that can assist are in fact doing just that. but, we need lots more help and alot less propaganda and political correctness. it would have never won the wars of the past thats for sure.

politics will never win this conflict and history has shown this to be absolutely true

 

[mtlinscomb]

There isn't a simple answer and I'm not for one second going to act like I know the right or wrong answer. Without knowing the details that our military and government know about the situation on both sides of the paki/afghan border, we are all simply blowing smoke. If we stay, our country and President need to put our full faith in our military leaders, and supply these men and women with whatever they need in order to complete their mission. Our politics and ideologies need to be put aside and anything less than full support, IMO, is disgraceful. Does anyone here have any doubt that we will be attacked again during our lifetimes by al Qaeda? The one thing I do know is their desire to see our way of life in America eliminated is steadfast. I love the fact that we live in a country where we DON'T historically accept an attack like 9/11 as an invitation for dialogue. I also don't know if there is any way in 100 years for us to achieve the full elimination of radical Islam. I fear their own people will have to be the ones that eventually expose and exterminate this disease the world is plagued with. I'm proud, just as all of you are, of the job our men and women have done, and their safe return, whenever it may be, should always be part of our prayers.

 

[poppy]

ironically, i just read today about the enlistments being at its highest since the 70's. apparently. its in part to the economy. dont remember where i read it, looking for it now. hope i can figure out how to post it. not exactly a tech savvy fella.

and by the way, you could enlist too?

i noticed how "victory" wasnt mentioned....

The standards have been lowered so much they will take just about anyone these days and no I can't enlist because I'm a disabled veteran, it's your turn to serve if you haven't done so already.

 

[30ashopper]

Yes. And let's reinstate the draft* for all American men and women 18 and over, so we can win these wars once and for all--let everyone (rich and poor), be united and take part in the honorable sacrifice to service and duty for our country.

I like the idea of sharing the sacrifice....or, like with the immigration issue, is war just a job for "someone else" because American people don't want to do it or just don't care? Maybe we should pay all the illegal immigrants to do the fighting FOR us?

*note: ...we would be out of both countries so fast it would make your head swim.

The merits of a voluntary army are pretty well validated at this point.