Five Unanswered Questions about U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan

Mackenzie Eaglen / December 02, 2009

Last night, President Obama outlined his strategy for Afghanistan. Thankfully, he spoke of the fact that this war is not optional, that our efforts there are in America’s vital national interests, and that the strategic goals and objectives of the United States are largely unchanged from March. Now that the president has highlighted his plan, it is time for Congress to ask some serious questions.

1. Given that the president did not specifically outline victory or how the U.S. will win in Afghanistan, what metrics should Congress use to evaluate progress and what outcomes will result in a successful conclusion of the U.S. commitment in Afghanistan?

If there is no definition of victory, then there is no way for policymakers to judge whether or not the president’s timetable for withdrawal is truly based upon conditions on the ground. America’s strategy must first be a plan for victory rather than a race for the exit. (more…)