Atlantic Community:Global Must Read Article "Obama's Afghan Indecision"

Leslie H. Gelb, Author | September 23, 2009

Obama looks to be uncertain if his grand strategy for Afghanistan will work. ++ Even though the US does not have vital interests in the Middle East it still has an obligation to stay until the end and support Kabul. ++ “Democrats have to realize that more time is needed, and Republicans must acknowledge that America's combat commitment cannot be indefinite.” ++ “Defeat for America in Afghanistan and Pakistan can be avoided only if Democrats acknowledge that the Afghans need major help for two to three more years.”

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Fri, Oct 2nd 2009, 14:36

Mohamed Telab, New York University: Center for Global Affairs, (7)

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"Even though I strongly believe that the United States does not have vital interests in Afghanistan, I also believe that Mr. Obama can't simply walk away from the war."- Leslie H. Gelb

The U.S most definitely has vital interests in Afghanistan. I would argue that there are very few places in the world today that the U.S. does not have an interest in, be it economic, cultural or military in nature. In Afghanistan's case, the first thing that immediately comes to mind is our National Security interests.

I'm interested in knowing exactly why you believe that the “United States does not have vital interests in Afghanistan".