President Says He's Open to Changing Approach in Afghanistan - to Meet Escalation's Objectives [View All]

12/13/09

The president said that it will likely be clear by December 2010 if the surge is working, and he would be open to a change in strategy.

"I think, by the end of December 2010 whether or not the approach that General McChrystal has discussed in terms of securing population centers is meeting its objectives," he told 60 Minutes. "And if the approach that’s been recommended doesn’t work, then yes, we’re going to be changing approaches."

Obama also emphasized that the July 2011 date outlined in his West Point speech is when the military will "start transitioning into a draw down phase," but is not a hard and fast date for complete withdrawal.

"How many U.S. troops are coming out, how quickly will be determined by conditions on the ground," he said.

"As Commander in Chief, obviously, I reserve the option to do what I think is going to be best for the American people at that point in time."

"There was a tendency to say, 'We can go in. We can kick some tail. This is some glorious exercise.'" Obama said. "When in fact, this is a tough business."


http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/71983-obama-shows-wiggle-room-on-afghanistan


This is going to take awhile . . .