It's go-for-broke time on 9th anniversary of war

[unhappycamper]

It's go-for-broke time on 9th anniversary of war
By DEB RIECHMANN
The Associated Press
Wednesday, October 6, 2010; 4:52 AM

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The war in Afghanistan enters its 10th year Thursday with key players hedging their bets, uncertain whether the Obama administration is prepared to stay for the long haul, move quickly to exit an increasingly unpopular conflict, or something in between.

Fearing that his Western allies may in the end abandon him, Afghan President Hamid Karzai has started to prepare his nation for a withdrawal of international forces by shoring up relations with neighboring Pakistan and reaching out to insurgents interested in reconciliation.

Pakistan, America's nominal ally, says it's fighting insurgents. But it still tolerates al-Qaida and Afghan Taliban militants hiding out on its soil - out of reach of U.S.-led NATO ground forces.

There have been other important junctures, but this ninth anniversary is proving decisive. It's go-for-broke time in Afghanistan.

Public support for the war is slipping in the United States and Western Europe. Already, the Netherlands has pulled out its troops, the first NATO country to do so. The Canadians leave next.

[notesdev]

1. 'Go for broke' time?

How about 'get the hell out of that forsaken hole' time?

[unhappycamper]

2. You will hear NO disagreement from me. n/t

[spanone]

3. ten fucking fucking fucking years

[bemildred]

4. Ten years is "the long haul".

"Moving quickly to the exit" would have meant coming to our senses shortly after we installed Karzai as our local imperial satrap.

[Octafish]

5. What did Afghanistan have to do with 9-11?

They did offer to turn over bin Laden.