East+Coast+Jerk+Crew


 * Topic**: Obama sending more troops to Afghanistan
 * Members**: Victoria Lohman, Dana Omdahl, Aleyna Fitz, Costas B, Zaddok Miller

Notes: Source Newspaper Barnes, Julian. "Obama plans to send 30000 to 35000 more troops to Afghanistan." //Los Angeles Times// N/A.N/A (2009): 2. Web. 1 Dec 2009. 1.. NATO willing to send additional troops to help effort C.B. 2. Obama plan​s to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan which will put the total near 100,000 troops in Afghanistan C.B. 3. The Lawmakers are raising concerns over an expanded Afghan war C.B. 4. Hamid Karzai's government, which has alienated Afghans and allowed the Taliban to stage resurgence. CB 5. Obama's new tack borrows directly from the "surge" that his predecessor, George W. Bush, launched in Iraq in 2007: a quick increase in U.S. troop strength, more training for local forces and an offer of reconciliation for insurgents who want to change sides. CB 6. Many fear Taliban will wait out US troop presene. CB 7. The United States has neither the money, time nor will to fight a big counterinsurgency war in Afghanistan. CB 8. "We cannot afford another trillion dollars" in war spending. CB 9.The Taliban, in contrast, believe they are winning. CB 10.The key Taliban factions have just not been beaten on the battlefield. CB 11. President Obama's decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan pleased many military officials. CB 12. Obama has nearly doubled American combat power in Afghanistan. CB 13. McChrystal did not get the 40,000 additional troops he reportedly requested. CB 14. McChrystal will be able make up some of the difference with additional allied deployments. CB 15. Obama said the administration would rush all the additional combat troops into the country by next summer. CB 16. Obama said. "This is the epicenter of the violent extremism practiced by Al Qaeda. It is from here that we were attacked on 9/11, and it is from here that new attacks are being plotted as I speak." CB 17. One military officer, "We understand the president's intent, which is to end this war." CB 18.Obama's second major escalation of the conflict this year. CB 19.Shortly after taking office in January, Obama deployed an additional 21,000 troops to Afghanistan. CB 20.The U.S. force currently stands at about 68,000. CB 21. The expected troop announcement is likely to surpass the 2007 Iraq troop buildup, which pumped 21,500 combat troops and thousands of support personnel. CB 22. The president on Monday called other world leaders to tell them of his decision and to ask for assistance. CB 23. McChrystal actively sought 40,000 additional troops. CB 24. Overall, there are about 110,000 international troops in the country. CB 25.The White House is reviewing at least three options. One would entail the 40,000-troop. A middle option would send between 20,000 and 35,000 troops. A third option would send only about 10,000 more troops, likely to serve as trainers for Afghan security forces. CB 26. There are a lot of different layers to our involvement in Afghanistan. CB 27. Obama, who has presided over at least nine meetings of his senior advisers devoted to the war. CB 28. "We're in the ninth year of our efforts in Afghanistan," Gibbs told reporters. CB 29. Obama's troop buildup is all about exit strategies. CB 30. The United States has neither the money, time nor will to fight a big counterinsurgency war in Afghanistan. CB

Cooper, Helene. "Putting Stamp on Afghan War, Obama Will Send 17,000 Troops ." //New York Times// N/A.N/A (2009): 1. Web. 1 Dec 2009. . 1. Obama plans to finish the war on terror in Afghanistan Z.M. 2. The Opposition would say no to sending more troops to Afghanistan because it will only lead to more American deaths Z.M. 3. It will take about a year to deploy all of the 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. Z.M. 4. Most Generals are wanting more troops in Afghanistan A.F. 5. The New troops will be vital to securing the areas of where Taliban is at its strongest Z.M. 6. Obama is sending the 30,000 troops by 2010 Z.M. 7. Obama will start to withdraw troops in July of 2011 Z.M. 8. NATO says they will be able to get 5,000 troops from the rest of the alliance group Z.M. 9. They are saying that the opposition will agree with the numbers but are not willing to withdraw them so soon. Z.M. 10. The troops will be about there for about 18 months after they deploy Z.M. 11. Obama believes by having Americans behind a purpose will reunite this country Z.M. 12. Norman Soloman of the Progressive Democrats of America’s antiwar campaign is totally unhappy with Obama's decision Z.M. 13. Many democrats do not believe in Obama's decision Z.M. 14. The democrats said that there was not a lot of communication between the president and representative. Z.M. 15. Obama says that he did not believe in sending troops either Z.M. 16. Obama said that if he withdraws now that the American people will be at risk Z.M. 17. There are 18 confirmed suicides at Fort Campbell because they are deployed so much Z.M. 18. Someone from Fort Campbell said that it is easier for them knowing that they have an overall goal. Z.M. 19. People that are friends with some of these soldiers from Fort Campbell say that they don't think this will end soon. Because the 7 years they knew the one soldier he was gone for 5. Z.M. 20. Taryn Cagle's said that her husband is leaving for fifth deployment and also said has learned to not depend on timetables no matter who says them. (an Iraq war veteran) Z.M. 21. Obama says that it will cost about 30 billion dollars in the first year. Z.M. 22. Some democrats say that we should have Surtax on the war Z.M. 23. Obama did not say how he would pay for the war Z.M. 24. Obama is setting criteria that he in his own power cannot control but entrust it to the soldiers and the Afghan president to follow through. Z.M. 25. Obama did not say what would be done if the Afghan president does not make the necessary changes that his government needs. Z.M. 26. There are only 90,000 Afghan soldiers and 93,000 police officers of a country of about 30 million which Obama said is not good enough. Z.M. 27. There has been more then 200 billion tax dollars spent over this 8-year war Z.M. 28. The opposition say that this amount is entirely too much and it is affecting our economy. Z.M. 29. The republicans say that they will soon remind Obama that the top commander requested for 40,000 troops. Z.M. 30. Many people agree that they have a ultimate goal even though it is not exact that it will help a little of the morale of the soldiers. Z.M. 31. Most critics say the time limit Obama has given to Gen. McChrystal to finish the job in Afghanistan isn't enough time. CB

"Afghanistan Dillema." //Thomas J. Billittery// (2009): 1. Web. 2 Dec 2009. []. 1. Obama wants to send troops to gain back safety for civilians. A.F. 2. Since Afghanistan has nuclear weapons they want to stay there and make sure they aren’t used. A.F. 3. Obama said once they defeat the al Qaeda then they will have completed their mission. A.F. 4. The U.S will end up having up to 68,000 troops by the end of the year and other countries are sending in another 32,000. A.F. 5. Most civilian deaths were caused by suicide/IED attacks. A.F. 6. Troops are there so that the al Qaeda doesn’t try to use Afghanistan as a base for war. A.F. 7. The troops are also helping to fix the government of Afghanistan. A.F. 8. If the troops don’t make an impact or show progress the funding of the war could drop. A.F. 9. People are thinking that you need a very large national army to have peace in a place like Afghanistan again. A.F. 10. The troops are also trying to impact the lives of civilians to be more like America. A.F.  11. Nearly eight years ago US forces entered Afghanistan. CB 12. The ultimate nightmare scenario: Pakistan's nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists, which foreign-policy experts say has become a real possibility. CB 13. Nearly eight years of war in Afghanistan  , 767 U.S. troops have died there, along with 520 coalition forces. CB 14. A multibillion-dollar opium economy that funds the insurgency. CB 15. He announced that he will send 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, a number close to what his commanders requested. CB  11. The Afghan people want the U.S to win. A.F. 12. 58% of the Afghan people said the biggest threat in their country is the Taliban. A.F. 13. 8% of Afghan people said the biggest threat to their country is the U.S. A.F. 14. The number of Afghan troops on the American forces is very low, only 400. A.F. 15. The troops want to be there to make the Afghan’s feel safe. A.F. 16. The Generals want people in America to have good knowledge of what’s going on in Afghanistan. A.F. 17. We can’t negotiate with them because we don’t know much about their political standpoints. A.F. 18.They are reluctant to withdraw because of threat of nuclear weapons. Z.M. 19.The U.N. said that 1,013 civilians died in the first 6 months of 2009. Z.M. 20.The opposition would say that we should withdraw because 2/3's of those deaths were caused by U.S. air strikes. Z.M. 21.They now say that one of the big reasons that they have stayed is because they can help the government "get back on their feet". Z.M. 22.The opposition would say that we should withdraw because it's their government and not our problem. Z.M. 23.Captain Bryan Huysman says that the Afghan forces that are fighting along side us are not enough. Z.M. 24.General McChrystal says that the Afghan security forces needs to be greatly expanded for this war to be won. Z.M. 25. 47% of all Americans think that the war in Afghanistan is worth fighting. A.F.

Citation: "U.S. Troops in Afghanistan." // Issues & Controversies On File: // n. pag. // Issues & Controversies //. Facts On File News Services, 27 Mar. 2009. Web. 3 Dec. 2009. . 1. American troops need to stay in Afghanistan, if anti-American forces regain control in their country, terrorists will have freedom in the country and will be able to plot attacks against U.S. interests. D.O. 2. The 9/11/01 attack lead to the death of about 3,000 lives. D.O. 3. Sept. 11. 2001-fundamentalists from Islamic culture stated that the 9.11.01 attack had been the worst terrorist attack on U.S. territory. D.O. 4. Obama is determined to force the Al Qaeda to hand over Osadin bin Laden. D.O. 5. The Afghani Taliban has provided the Al Qaeda terrorist group with current safe hiding grounds between Afghanistan and Pakistan. D.O. 6. Over the years the Taliban has had violent behavior towards our U.S. forces. D.O. 7. The Taliban has attempted taking over the Afghani’s democratically elected government. D.O. 8. 2003-President George W. Bush initiated an invasion in Iraq because it Bush’s words they had been helping the Al Qaeda. D.O. 9. In early 2009 when Obama was elected he stated that his plan was going to send 17,000 troops into Afghanistan starting in the summer of 2009. D.O. 10. The guarantee of safe security for the U.S. citizens depends on a stable government in Afghanistan making sure that the Taliban doesn’t gain control. D.O. 11. December 2001-The U.N. created an “International Security Assistance Force” (ISAF) to ensure that Afghanistan remains stable. D.O. 12. Obama plans to diminish the war in Iraq and put that money towards the war in Afghanistan. D.O. 13. With the Iraq war gone, the military forces in Iraq can be moved to Afghanistan. D.O. 14. Obama says that we have not completed a strategy to kill the terrorists’ base of support. D.O. 15. February 2009-Obama becomes president and says that he would like to move 17,000 troops from Iraq to Afghanistan. D.O. 16. General David McKiernan wished for an additional 30,000 troops by the end of the year in case of Taliban growth. D.O. 17. The Pakistan government has signed several treaties with the Taliban. D.O. 18. Afghanistan has had a 40% increase in death for Afghani citizens in 2008-2,000 died from war-related violence. D.O. 19. 44% of Afghans want less foreign soldiers in their country while only 14% wanted the number of foreign soldiers to increase. D.O. 20. American Opinion during spring 2009-48% want troops to stay in Afghanistan and only 31% wanted the troops to come home within 2 years. D.O. 21. Pakistan’s journalist, Ahmed Rashid, says that the Afghan citizens would welcome a stable democracy. D.O. 22. Obama doesn’t want to make the same mistake as withdrawing from the war, following the Soviet. D.O. 23. Many U.S. citizens believe that it would be impossible to avoid combat with the Taliban in support of debate. D.O. 24. Hamid Karzai-elected president for Afghanistan in 2004. D.O. 25. If the Taliban makes tight alliances with Pakistan, then there is a chance that the Taliban could get custody of some nuclear weapons. D.O. 26. Hamid Karzai has a military regime. CB 27. Barack Obama has made Afghanistan a promise for a more logical approach than his forerunner, notably in treating Pakistan as an integral part of the problem. D.O. 28. Nine in ten Americans think that we are being successful in the Afghan war. D.O. 29. We need to find Osama Bin Laden because 54% of Americans think the war will be easy to win after he is captured. D.O. 30. If the Taliban regains power, than women in Afghanistan would have a lower quality in life. D.O.

Bellantoni, Christina. "Obama Lays Out 'Way Forward' In Afghanistan." __Washington Post__ 1 12 2009. http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/12/obama-lays-out-way-forward-in-afghanistan.php. December 2, 2009 DeYoung, Karen. "Afghan Conflict Will Be Reviewed." __The Washington Post__ 13 1 2009. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/12/AR2009011203492.html. 2. In the next few years the Afghan army is expected to double in size to 84,000 troops. V.L 3. Obama said at his speech on December 1, 2009 that casualties weigh on him everyday and he feels he owes troops "a mission that is clearly defined." V.L 4. Incoming administration does not anticipate that the Iraqi forces will change the direction of the conflict. V.L 5. The Army is already spending $1.1 billion to provide faculties for additional troops and $1.3 billion in construction next year. V.L 6. Many Democrats refuse to oppose troop buildup, threaten to block funding. V.L 7. Military officials that the strengthened will be executing a more healthy, counteracting strategy. V.L 8. Obama's announcement said that the U.S would swiftly deploy thousands more troops to Afghanistan included a pledge to begin bringing them home in 18 months. V.L 9. The solidiers agree with Obama's decision, but only to end the war. V.L 10. Some military officials were concerned about the possibility of a hard date for returning troops and turning security responsibilities over Afghan forces. V.L 11. Obama has been overwhelmed with horrible assessments of the war. V.L 12. Obama's firs​t order of business is to let the American people know what the mission is of the war. V.L 13. Obama officials have been vague about $2.5 billion war supplement spending plan for 2009. V.L 14. Obama has nearly doubled American combat power in Afghanistan, with two decisions to add to troops this year. V.L 15. The Taliban may be the deadliest force that the U.S has to face in Afghanistan. V.L 16. Obama is understandably frustrated with the choices he has to make in Afghanistan. V.L  17. 804 casualties during the entire course of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. CB 18."we are spending ourselves into oblivion" says Matthew Hoh that was the first u.s. official to resign for controversy over war. Z.M. 19.In his letter of resignation he also says he does not know the intentions of U.S. being in Afghanistan any more and is doubting the war. Z.M. 20.These quotes are a very good point for the opposition to argue because they would say that us Americans don't even believe in ourselves anymore. Z.M. 21.The cost of the decades' war is now approaching $1 trillion. V.L 22. Obama said that the administration would rush all of the additional combat troops into the country by next summer. V.L 23.Some military officials were unsure about the 18-month deadline. V.L 24. Obama says that he refuses to accept the fact that we can call over the unity again. V.L 25.Obama has offered few public comments on Afghanistan since the election. V.L 26.The president-elect used a "very limited" objective that Afghanistan cannot launch attacks against the U.S. V.L 27.Obama says that "we need to ramp up our development approach. V.L 28.Obama did not specifically mention what his advertisers have been saying for the past few weeks of the war since he sent more troops. V.L 29.Obama promised that we would be tough on Pakistan. V.L 30. The military is as concerned about the mission about the addtional troops as it is about the size of the force. V.L
 * 1. From the second rise of the war this year, the number of troops being brought to Afghanistan with be 100,000. V.L

Afghanistan Policy." //Issues & Controversies On File:// n. pag. //Issues & Controversies//. Facts On File News Services, 5 Oct. 2007. Web. 4 Dec. 2009. .

1. The Taliban ruled over Afghanistan around the time of 9/11 and wouldn’t give up the leader of the attack, Osama bin Laden. A.F. 2. When this happened the U.S. and Britain bombed Afghanistan. A.F. 3. The U.S. defense troops were to drive away the Taliban from power. A.F. 4. After the Taliban didn’t have power anymore the government was controlled by people who were more democratic and liked the U.S more. A.F. 5. Taliban forces have come back together to fight against the coalition troops and the Afghan security. A.F. 6. Suicide bombers in Afghanistan are a major cause of deaths in all people. A.F. 7. Taliban and some civilians think that the drug and violence problems were caused by the U.S. A.F. 8. People who want the U.S. to win say that Afghanistan is an independent country and that the U.S. has made it very secure. AF 9.The mixed signals make it hard for the U.S. to do anything if one person is telling them something and another person another thing. A.F. 10. The coalition has not done its job in defeating the Taliban and restoring order to the country. A.F. 11. Most US allies are against the war. CB

"U.S. Troops in Afghanistan." // Issues & Controversies On File: // n. pag. // Issues & Controversies //. Facts On File News Services, 27 Mar. 2009. Web. 3 Dec. 2009. []. 1. Troops need to be sent to Iraq because they are helping the Taliban. D.O. 2. Many feel that the condition has declined to the point where it is unsalvageable. D.O. 3. Others think that Obama shouldn’t send troops because he hasn’t finished his complete review of the strategy that is to be taken in Afghanistan. D.O. 4. The fact that the Soviet Union was beaten by Afghanistan in the 1980s should be a warning that they are a tough country and are nearly ungovernable. D.O. 5. The war is costing America billions of dollars. The U.S. simply can't afford to be in war. 6. The Pakistani government hasn't done much to assist with the current problem in Afghanistan. CB 7. Tensions between India and Pakistan are making the situation in Afghanistan much more difficult. CB 8. Taliban IED's are taking there toll on the US military. CB 9. The Afghan government is extremely weak and corrupt which is making it harder for the US to build and train an Afghan army and police. CB 10. Many feel that the current condition of the US job crisis should take precedence over the War in Afghanistan. CB
 * CONS**

Peter Spiegel, Jonathan Weisman, Yochi J. Dreazen. "Obama Bets Big on Troop Surge." __The Wall Street Journal__ The Wall Street Journal Digital Network. 2 Dec, 2009. 4 Dec. 2009 []. 11. 458 U.S. and other allied troops have died in 2009 alone. D.O. 12. 75 in just October 2009 making the total almost 1500. D.O. 13. Obama plans to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan and plans to withdrawal them 18 months later. D.O. 14. The recovery of the Taliban included assault in the city of Kandahar homicide of 13 people. D.O. 15. One flaw in Obama's plan makes it seem like we are affraid of terrorists. Which is exactly what they intended for us to feel. We can't let them have what they want. D.O. 16. In Afghanistan, there are many insurgents so it's difficult to identify who the enemy is. D.O. 17. US relationships with traditional allies are strained because of the war. D.O. 18. Many Afghany citizens believe the US is the problem not the Taliban. CB 19. US airstrikes have killed over 700 citizens so far into the war. CB 20. Most NATO allies are refusing to send troops to Afghanistan. CB 21.Predator Drones account for many Afghan civilian deaths. CB 22. The NATO forces that are located in Afghanistan are in areas where there is no immediate threat. CB 23. Afghanistan isn't the only place where Al Quaida has bases. For examle Somalia is a major Al Quaida safe haven. CB ||  ||   ||