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Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily

By TChris, Section War on Terror
Posted on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 07:35:33 AM EST
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by TChris

Doesn't this sound like "cut and run" and "appeasement"?

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said Monday that the war against Taliban guerrillas in Afghanistan could never be won militarily, and he urged support for efforts to bring "people who call themselves Taliban" into the government.

If Frist thinks a war can't be won militarily, does that make him a Defeatican? If he wants to make peace with the Taliban -- the terrorists who, we're repeatedly told, are anxious to kill Americans -- does that mean he's "coddling terrorists"? Did Frist forget all the Republican talking points during his trip overseas?

The war against Taliban guerrillas was effective until the president diverted the military's attention to Iraq, a point Frist failed to acknowledge. Frist has noticed the "unlimited flow" of Afghans and foreigners "willing to pick up arms and integrate themselves with the Taliban" but doesn't seem to grasp the primary cause: the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

There's something to be said for "winning the hearts and minds" of those who might otherwise sympathize with the Taliban, but that process starts with the U.S. moving its military out of Iraq. Will Frist champion that cause when he returns home?

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    • Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily | 9 comments (9 topical)
    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#1)
    by scribe on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 09:25:43 AM EST
    Sounds like Frist is "Supporting" the Taliban, by his statements. Under the new law Frist just rammed through, that makes Frist an "enemy combatant". It's hard to run a Presidential bid from Gitmo, Senator. So, the Department of Irony strikes again - first Foley (appears to have) violated the cyberstalking laws he pushed through, now Frist and the Torture Laws which will be his legacy.

    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#3)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 10:11:26 AM EST
    Sounds like Frist is trying to position himself in the middle for a pres nomination. Instead he just destroyed what ever chances he may have had.

    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#4)
    by roy on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 10:17:29 AM EST
    Frist has either clarified or contradicted his statements here. "Defeatican" does not appear to be a recognized term; what point is it meants to convey here?

    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 10:28:03 AM EST
    So Frist wants to bring the Taliban back into the Afghani government? I thought that the Taliban were the enablers of Al-Queda. Obviously, Frist is a traitor of the worst sort. Maybe he could use a little renditioning.

    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#6)
    by Che's Lounge on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 10:59:54 AM EST
    If I said that I'd be labeled a terrorist appeaser by Frister's own party. But that's just me. The Hypocritical States of America

    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#7)
    by Che's Lounge on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 11:03:00 AM EST
    If I said that I'd be labeled a terrorist appeaser by Frister's own party. But that's just me. The Hypocritical States of America

    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#8)
    by kdog on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 03:49:32 PM EST
    If you live in Afghanistan and are considered part of the Taliban, and Afghanistan is attempting to form a constitutional democracy, don't you have to be included for the democracy to have any legitimacy? As much s I dislike the Taliban and everything they stand for, in order for that country to have a shot everybody has to be involved...as long as all abide by the laws of the democracy. Did Frist make sense by accident? Regardless, it doesn't surprise me the guy has a soft spot for extremism, he's the wanna-be tyrant who brought us the new gambling prohibition. Very Taliban-esque Mr. Frist.

    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#10)
    by Che's Lounge on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 06:09:12 PM EST
    TL, That double post was my fault. I was using a work computer.

    Re: Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily (none / 0) (#11)
    by Che's Lounge on Tue Oct 03, 2006 at 06:13:05 PM EST
    Walter, How dare you suggest diplomacy! "Hate don't negotiate with good. Don't need it! Don't need no more lies." Neil Young The Restless Consumer

    Frist on Afghanistan: US Can't Win Militarily | 9 comments (9 topical)