Obama's War Decision Gets More Complex

Leading Democrat Sides with Republican Views on Afghanistan

Oct 12, 2009

Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein is pressing the president to side with Gen. McChrystal's troop recommendation in Afghanistan.

Senate Intelligence Committee head Dianne Feinstein says she fears that the success or failure of the Afghanistan war rests in the decision President Obama makes concerning additional troops. In an AP story via Yahoo News, the senator said the mission in Afghanistan was in, “serious jeopardy” and that more troops are needed to effectively combat the Taliban.

What Does Feinstein Know

Being head of the Senate Intelligence Committee affords Feinstein access to sensitive information, reports the AP story. She said that delaying additional troops places the troops that are already in country at additional risk. The senator referenced an Oct. 3rd battle where eight U.S. soldiers were killed. She was quoted as saying, “We didn't have the ability to defend them, and now the base is closing, and effectively we're retreating away from it.”

On Sunday, October 11, a Foxnews.com story reported that Senator Feinstein’s position was clearly in line with several of the Republican leaders. Feinstein also hinted at the administration considering pulling out of Afghanistan altogether. She was quoted on ABC’s “This Week” saying, “I don't know how you put somebody in who was as crackerjack as General McChrystal, who gives the president very solid recommendations, and not take those recommendations if you're not going to pull out.”

Senator John McCain R-Ariz. also made clear that the president should follow the advice of his military commanders. McCain was quoted as saying, "The president is right to take his time and deliberate but that a failure to accept the advice of his military commanders would be an error of historic proportions." McCain is the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Democratic Counterpoint

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee is pressing for additional training of Afghan troops in order to fight Al Qaeda and the Taliban. On NBC’s “Meet the Press” Levin emphasized his view of sending more trainers to Afghanistan, but not more troops. The senator also said, “The president has to look at a much broader perspective than the commander's request, as important as that is” reported Foxnews.com concerning Levin’s NBC interview.

Levin’s statement echoed the sentiment of national security adviser James Jones who on Monday, Oct. 5th was quoted in a CNN.com story as saying, “I think that McChrystal and the others in the chain of command will present the president with not just one option ... but a range of options that the president can consider.”

It is not clear when Obama will make his decision on the war in Afghanistan. One thing is certain however. Increasing opinions from U.S. leadership is adding serious weight to the importance of the president’s next move in Afghanistan.

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