Senator Leahy is questioning President Obama's surge strategy in Afghanistan. We heard this before during the Iraq surge. Leahy was wrong then and is likely wrong again now. We need leaders in Congress who will support the troops through thick and thin and do everything they can to assure the successful accomplishment of their operational mission rather than predetermine its failure.
Here we go again.
Every time the going gets tough in military operations overseas, Democratic leaders, including Sen. Leahy, get jittery, cave to their political base, and publicly communicate doom and gloom conclusions that have risk of causing self-fulfilling prophecies. Can you imagine the demoralizing effects on our troops if every setback in the Pacific and in Europe during World War II was accompanied by such public doubt and discussion of giving up by Senate leaders.
According to the Burlington Free Press (July 27, 2010), "Leahy...said... ‘I’m having more and more questions about our policy in Afghanistan’. ... Asked whether or not the U.S. should withdraw its troops, Leahy said, ‘I don’t know...’." It appears that just when Pres. Obama’s surge policy requires steady hands in Congress (i.e., leaders), Leahy is discussing pulling the rug from his feet. Skeptical but constructive critique is good but it would be more helpful for the troops and the Commander-in Chief if Leahy spent more time and effort helping them accomplish their mission rather than predetermining failure.
There is a déjà vu here.
Remember Leahy’s doubts about the U.S. military’s ability to succeed during the similar Iraq surge? On April 7, 2008, Leahy said, "The reality in Iraq is that...the surge has failed to achieve its central goal...Every day more American servicemen and women are killed or grievously wounded, with no end in sight...." Leahy further urged "A deadline for...swift redeployment of American forces..." (http://www.welch.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=282).
The real reality is that due to the fortitude of U.S. troops in the Iraq surge, Iraqi military and government capabilities evolved, some semblance of stability developed, and U.S. troop levels are on target to be drawn down to 50,000 by September -- with a partially good outcome from a bad situation (a semi-democratic government with improving self-sufficiency).
Had the U.S. heeded Leahy’s conclusions, we would not have gained the military upper hand that led to the stabilization and the dramatically reduced U.S. military casualty levels.
Sen. Leahy is clearly bowing to his political base in the Democratic Party during a contentious primary election but his message is inappropriate and dangerous. We are in the midst of the surge in troop levels ordered by President Obama in Afghanistan. Closer to home, we are also in the midst of the largest deployment of Vermont National Guard troops since WWII.
Senator Leahy should support the troops by showing leadership, resolve, and confidence they will accomplish their mission even during dark days.