Afghanistan war can yet be won, US general tells Congress

[rug]

The commander of US forces in Afghanistan outlined three achievements that would secure a 'win' after 11 years of combat – acknowledging none is yet in hand. He gave Congress a report Tuesday on the war's progress.

By Anna Mulrine, Staff writer
April 16, 2013
Washington

Is it still possible for the United States to “win” the war in Afghanistan, which, at 11 years, is the longest war in US history?

Yes is the assessment of Gen. Joseph Dunford, commander of US forces in Afghanistan, who was on Capitol Hill Tuesday testifying on the progress of the war.

It is not the sort of portrait of victory Pentagon officials had envisioned at the war’s start – and may even be a victory that defies the definition of the word.

Still, Dunford told lawmakers, he is determined to keep using the word “win.”

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2013/0416/Afghanistan-war-can-yet-be-won-US-general-tells-Congress

What begins with lies ends with lies.

[newfie11]

1. Send the general out front to fight it

Like in the Middle Ages when they lead the charge.

[Solly Mack]

2. Alrighty then.

[Arugula Latte]

3. Yes, and Oceania is about to achieve a glorious victory over Eastasia!

Doubleplusgood.

[SamKnause]

14. Wars 2

Indeed !

[HughBeaumont]

4. Well, yes. In the meantime, tossing more meat into this grinder will get us EVER CLOSER!!

These folly invasions are like America's CRACK. *huffffffff* - Education. *huffffffff* - Infrastructure. *huffffffff* - Social Safety Net. *huffffffff* - National Debt.

America - Hopelessly Addicted to Militarism. Ask Japan how well that worked out for them.

[newfie11]

6. +1

[bowens43]

5. what exactly is there to win? What a dumbass

[rug]

8. There's really nothing more to be said.

[Baclava]

7. uh-huh, and we "won every battle" in Vietnam too

even the Russians weren't this stupid - they pulled out after 9 years, we're going on 12

[backscatter712]

9. How do you win Whack-a-Mole? n/t

[Lone_Star_Dem]

10. Depends on what he means by "won."

If he's talking about continuing a senseless slaughter, further feeding hate against us in the region thereby assuring further conflict and thus expanding profits for the war profiteers, then sure. He's 100% correct.

[hobbit709]

11. Where have we heard this before?

This is like what my mother tells me of the spring of 1945. The Nazi radio was going on about how they were going to achieve their "glorious" victory over the Allies. Meanwhile you could hear the Russian artillery outside of Vienna.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

12. Yep. As soon as the Ho Chi Minh Trail is interdicted and the troops cross the Little Big Horn.

[SamKnause]

13. Wars

Did we win the war with Iraq ?

[HughBeaumont]

15. I don't know that they ever DEFINED what a "victory" would be in Iraq.

It's much the same case here . . . like trying to fit a square peg in a traingle-shaped hole.

[SamKnause]

18. Wars 3

It is infuriatingly sickening !

These invasions and occupations are done intentionally.

The U.S. economy would collapse if they gave up their war mongering.

They are the worlds largest maker and exporter of weapons.

They do not care if soldiers die for profits.

They do not care who gets killed in the countries they invade.

Sadly, this is the history of the U.S.

[Cleita]

16. They used to trot out the same rhetoric about winning Viet Nam if

I remember correctly.

[undeterred]

17. The only way we win is when we get the troops out.

[moondust]

19. Any mention of a "light at the end of the tunnel"? n/t

[KG]

20. y'know how it's often said generals hate war and want to avoid them?

it's all bullshit.