Obama Wise To Take His Time On Afghanistan

According to a recent report on the Fox News' website:

"President Obama is inclined to send only as many more U.S. troops to Afghanistan as are needed to keep Al Qaeda at bay, a senior administration official said".

If this proves to be true... good for President Obama! The decision to send someone's son, daughter, husband, wife off to war is a very serious one. And it should not be made quickly or without much prayer and thought. With that said, I applaud President Obama for taking his time to carefully think through how he will proceed in the war in Afghanistan.

A war-weary nation wants this eight year war to come to an end––sooner rather than later. People who were all gung-ho immediately following the attacks of 9/11 are now asking these questions in coffee shops and workout places: What is the purpose of this war? What is the 'win' for us... or our troops?

Even the soldiers are losing morale according to a noted European online news service:

“The many soldiers who come to see us have a sense of futility and anger about being here. They are really in a state of depression and despair and just want to get back to their families,” said Captain Jeff Masengale, of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2-87 Infantry Battalion.

“They feel they are risking their lives for progress that’s hard to discern,” said Captain Sam Rico, of the Division’s 4-25 Field Artillery Battalion. “They are tired, strained, confused and just want to get through.” The chaplains said that they were speaking out because the men could not. www.timesonline.co.uk

Sure, there are those who will call Obama weak or indecisive for not moving ahead with the battle plan as laid out by General McChrystal. But... as Commander-In-Chief, does Obama really want the kind of blood on his hands from the young lives that will be lost in what will be a long sustained occupation? Can he sleep at night remembering the faces of the many troops who will never celebrate another Christmas... see another loved one graduate from school... miss out on raising their young children?

Say what you will... but I am pleased with the president taking the next two or three weeks to ponder this weighty decision. Pray that God gives him direction!