Courtesy of Mish
The US invaded Afghanistan in October of 2001. US troops have been in the country ever since. That’s 16 years. Have we made any progress?
President Obama promised to get US troop out of Afghanistan. He failed. Now, President Trump wants to send more troops to Afghanistan.
What the hell are we doing?
No Escape
Flashback July 6, 2016: Obama Finds He Can’t Escape Afghan War He Once Vowed to End.
President Barack Obama, who once promised to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from Afghanistan within 16 months of taking office, acknowledged on Wednesday that his successor will instead have to resolve America’s longest armed conflict.
Obama announced that he would again slow the U.S. withdrawal from the country, where Afghan government forces are struggling to take and keep territory from the Taliban. About 8,400 U.S. military personnel will remain in the country at the end of the year to help with what Obama called a “precarious” security situation.
Anyone with an ounce of common sense knew Obama’s decision to leave 8,400 troops in Afghanistan would lead to a request for more troops to support the troops already there.
How Many Promises Has Obama Kept?
In October of 2015, Newsweek asked How Many Promises Has Obama Kept?
Guantánamo Bay
“I have said repeatedly that I intend to close Guantánamo, and I will follow through on that.”
Afghanistan
“We will end this war in Iraq. We will bring our troops home. We will finish the job—we will finish the job against Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.”
Energy Independence
“I will set a clear goal as president: In 10 years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.” [Mish note: That promise was made in 2008. Will we be there in a year?]
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
“I can guarantee that we will have, in the first year, an immigration bill that I strongly support.”
Gun Control Consensus
“I think we can provide common-sense approaches to the issue of illegal guns that are ending up on the streets. We can make sure that criminals don’t have guns in their hands. We can make certain that those who are mentally deranged are not getting a hold of handguns. We can trace guns that have been used in crimes to unscrupulous gun dealers that may be selling to straw purchasers and dumping them on the streets.”
Cracking Down on CEO Bonuses
“Now is the time to change our bankruptcy laws, so that your pensions are protected ahead of CEO bonuses.”
You Can Keep Your Doctor
“If you like your doctor you can keep your doctor“.
Trump Promises Not Kept
