More opposition to surge

There are two significant points made by Christopher Drew in an article published in The New York Times (11/14/09). The title of the article is "High Costs Weigh on Troop Debate for Afghan War."

First, the addition of troops to Afghanistan, the "surge," will be expensive. Drew reports it will cost $1 million dollars for each additional soldier. The costs have risen to this level with the demands for sophisticated equipment, such as, mine-resistant troop carriers and surveillance equipment (e.g., unmanned drones). Costs are also driven by the high cost of fueling supply trucks, with the cost of gasoline rising to $400 a gallon on the rough and dangerous terrain in key supply routes of Afghanistan, especially where opposition is especially strong against the occupation. Drew reports that the costs to us in Afghanistan will rise faster than any savings from the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

Second, opposition to the proposal for additional troops in Afghanistan has recently surfaced. Karl W. Eikenberry, current U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, has advised the Obama administration not to deploy additional troops because the Afghan "leadership" is weak and there is "widening corruption." In addition, influential Democrats in the House are saying that a majority of Democrats are now against providing funds for a surge of troops. They say that if we continue to increase funding on Afghanistan, and if the overall military budget continues to increase as estimated, then many domestic programs will have face further cuts and the unprecedent deficits will soar.

There are other costs of the continuing US/NATO occupation not mentioned by Drew, whether or not there is a surge. The already devastated Afghan landscape and the deepening impoverishment of the Afghan people will be worsened by the continuation of the occupation. Why? Because there is little being spent on reconstruction and assistance that would benefit the Afghan people.

The implication of Drew's article is that the arguments against the surge of troops to Afghanistan are increasing. We'll see whether they make a difference in what President Obama eventually decides to do on the matter.

Bob