World Politics Take on U.S. in Afghanistan

On December 1, 2009, President Barak Obama addressed the nation to announce the U.S’s new plan and strategy in Afghanistan. His plan outlined the U.S’s overarching goal in Afghanistan, three objectives, and three ways to meet these objectives. The overarching goal of the U.S. in Afghanistan, according to Obama’s new plan is to “disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan…and to prevent its [Al Qaeda] capacity to threaten the U.S. and our allies in the future.” In order to obtain this goal, Obama laid out three objectives: denying Al Qaeda a safe haven (in Afghanistan and in Pakistan), transpose the Taliban’s momentum and decline their efforts and ability to depose the government, and to reinforce and fortify Afghan security forces and government, therefore they have the ability to take full responsibility for the future of Afghanistan.

These objectives described, and therefore the main goal of defeating Al Qaeda, will also be met in three ways. First, Afghanistan’s capacity has to be increased by pursuing a military strategy that will break the Taliban’s momentum and increase capacity over the next eighteen months. In doing so, thirty thousand more troops. These troops will be targeting insurgents and securing major population hubs, training and partnering with Afghan security, and creating conditions to shift responsibility to Afghans. President Obama also called for an increase in international contribution. Secondly, there is now a more effectual civilian strategy, which is now based on performance and no longer by giving blank checks. The U.S. will support Afghan politicians, leaders, and ministries as long as they are contesting corruption. Also, the troops will be supporting immediate impact with things like agriculture. Thirdly, the U.S. will build and efficient and effectual partnership with Pakistan. This is necessary because success in Afghanistan is significantly linked with Pakistan. The U.S. will help Pakistan battle extremists...