To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.

×
Endless War: Obama Secretly Extends US War on Afghanistan

Just last May, President Obama announced his plan to end the US combat role in Afghanistan by the end of 2014. (Screenshot via MSNBC)

Endless War: Obama Secretly Extends US War on Afghanistan

Obama allowed the military to dictate the terms of the endgame in Afghanistan

Last May 27, in an announcement in the White House Rose Garden, President Obama said:

"2014, therefore, is a pivotal year. Together with our allies and the Afghan government, we have agreed that this is the year we will conclude our combat mission in Afghanistan... America's combat mission will be over by the end of this year. Starting next year, Afghans will be fully responsible for securing their country. American personnel will be in an advisory role. We will no longer patrol Afghan cities or towns, mountains or valleys. That is a task for the Afghan people."

Never mind.

The president has now quietly authorized an expanded role for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

The New York Timesreported last night that Obama's decision is the result of "a lengthy and heated debate" between the promise Mr. Obama made to end the war in Afghanistan, versus the demands of the Pentagon.

The Pentagon won. An official told the Times that "the military pretty much got what it wanted."

Obama has also given the war in Afghanistan a new name: Operation Resolute Support.

Obama's secret decision will keep American troops on the ground and fighting for at least another year and the US will continue using F-16 fighter jets, Predator and Reaper drones, and B-1 bombers.

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
afghanistanbarack obamamedea benjaminnobel peace prizethomas drakewar on terror

Last May 27, in an announcement in the White House Rose Garden, President Obama said:

"2014, therefore, is a pivotal year. Together with our allies and the Afghan government, we have agreed that this is the year we will conclude our combat mission in Afghanistan... America's combat mission will be over by the end of this year. Starting next year, Afghans will be fully responsible for securing their country. American personnel will be in an advisory role. We will no longer patrol Afghan cities or towns, mountains or valleys. That is a task for the Afghan people."

Never mind.

The president has now quietly authorized an expanded role for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

The New York Timesreported last night that Obama's decision is the result of "a lengthy and heated debate" between the promise Mr. Obama made to end the war in Afghanistan, versus the demands of the Pentagon.

The Pentagon won. An official told the Times that "the military pretty much got what it wanted."

Obama has also given the war in Afghanistan a new name: Operation Resolute Support.

Obama's secret decision will keep American troops on the ground and fighting for at least another year and the US will continue using F-16 fighter jets, Predator and Reaper drones, and B-1 bombers.

Last May 27, in an announcement in the White House Rose Garden, President Obama said:

"2014, therefore, is a pivotal year. Together with our allies and the Afghan government, we have agreed that this is the year we will conclude our combat mission in Afghanistan... America's combat mission will be over by the end of this year. Starting next year, Afghans will be fully responsible for securing their country. American personnel will be in an advisory role. We will no longer patrol Afghan cities or towns, mountains or valleys. That is a task for the Afghan people."

Never mind.

The president has now quietly authorized an expanded role for the U.S. military in Afghanistan.

The New York Timesreported last night that Obama's decision is the result of "a lengthy and heated debate" between the promise Mr. Obama made to end the war in Afghanistan, versus the demands of the Pentagon.

The Pentagon won. An official told the Times that "the military pretty much got what it wanted."

Obama has also given the war in Afghanistan a new name: Operation Resolute Support.

Obama's secret decision will keep American troops on the ground and fighting for at least another year and the US will continue using F-16 fighter jets, Predator and Reaper drones, and B-1 bombers.

afghanistanbarack obamamedea benjaminnobel peace prizethomas drakewar on terror