Axelrod: On Troops and Public Options.

[Clio the Leo]

Axelrod: Afghanistan plan deeper than troop surge
By MARGERY A. BECK (AP) – 8 hours ago

LINCOLN, Neb. — A senior White House adviser said Friday that President Barack Obama's talks on Afghanistan with top national security advisers earlier in the day ran much deeper than the question of sending more troops into the war.

Presidential adviser David Axelrod, in a speech at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said "a lot of different factors" are being considered in the internal discussions, including allegations of fraud in Afghanistan's recent presidential election and America's strained relationship with Pakistan.

"Fundamentally, what we need to think through is what is the best way to achieve our goals, which is to disrupt and dismantle al-Qaida, so they can't stage operations against the U.S. and our allies," Axelrod said.

<snip>

"This is a complex issue," he said. "As an American, I'm happy the president is diving in as deep as he is and gathering information so he can make the right decision."

<snip>

Among those attending Axelrod's lecture were U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., and state Sen. Tom White, a Democrat who has announced his candidacy for Nebraska's 2nd District congressional seat currently held by Republican Lee Terry.

Nelson, a conservative Democrat who has balked at supporting a so-called public option in the ongoing debate on health care reform, was the target of some ribbing during the address.

Asked if the final version of health care reform would include a public option, Axelrod said, "I feel like I've been monopolizing the stage, so I'd like to turn this question over to Senator Nelson."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5js9cR3SDrCX8jLWwgnEzx_aAJURgD9B8139O0

[OHdem10]

1. I have picked up here and there, C Rose MSNBC etc. that actually

what they are evaluating in plain English.

Should the strategy be Counter-Insurgency--"Surge" and
with this implies maybe 10 years in Afghanistan. McChrystol
has submitted 3 plans. Each have to be explored and studied
throughly

Should we put in more troops with the goal being draw down
and leaving Afghanistan with troops having pride in their
accomplishment.

This is complicated stuff. We should not give knee-jerk responses.
I do not think the American People are ready for a 10 year stint
not even the Military. Maybe those Neocons are.


I think we all realize we cannot just up and pull the troops
out. There would be a blood bath. These things take lots
of study and planning. Look I want us out just as soon as possible