Cheney: Stop 'dithering' over Afghanistan

Former Vice President Dick Cheney says Obama must do 'what it takes to win' in Afghanistan

(AP)  Former Vice President Dick Cheney on Wednesday night accused the White House of dithering over the strategy for the war in Afghanistan and urged President Barack Obama to "do what it takes to win."

"Make no mistake. Signals of indecision out of Washington hurt our allies and embolden our adversaries," Cheney said while accepting an award from a conservative national security group, the Center for Security Policy.

CBSNews.com Special Report: Afghanistan
CBS Evening News: The Road Ahead

Cheney disputed remarks by White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel that the Bush administration had been adrift concerning the war in Afghanistan and that the Obama administration had to start from the beginning to develop a strategy for the 8-year-old war.

To the contrary, Cheney said, the Bush administration undertook its own review of the war before leaving office and presented its findings to Obama's transition team.

"They asked us not to announce our findings publicly, and we agreed, giving them the benefit of our work and the benefit of the doubt," Cheney said. The strategy Obama announced in March bore a "striking resemblance" to what the Bush administration review had found, the vice president said.

Emanuel told CNN on Sunday that the decision regarding what to do in Afghanistan is more complex than whether to send more troops. The U.S. commander there, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, has reportedly asked for as many as 40,000 additional troops to combat the Taliban insurgency and al-Qaida fighters.

"When you go through all the analysis, it's clear that basically we had a war for eight years that was going on, that's adrift, that we're beginning at scratch, and just from the starting point, after eight years," Emanuel said.

Emanuel on CBS' "Face the Nation"

Cheney said the Obama administration seems to be pulling back and blaming others for its own failure to implement the strategy it had embraced earlier in the year.

"The White House must stop dithering while America's armed forces are in danger," the former vice president said. "It's time for President Obama to do what it takes to win a war he has repeatedly and rightly called a war of necessity."

Cheney criticized Obama's decision to drop plans begun in the Bush administration for missile defense interceptors in Poland and a radar site in the Czech Republic, calling the move "a strategic blunder and a breach of good faith." The administration said it will instead pursue a higher-tech system that is also more cost-effective.

"Our Polish and Czech friends are entitled to wonder how strategic plans and promises years in the making could be dissolved just like that with apparently little if any consultation," he said. "President Obama's cancellation of America's agreements with the Polish and Czech governments is a serious blow to the hopes and aspirations of millions of Europeans."

Cheney said those who try to placate Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and accede to his wishes will get nothing in return but trouble.

___

On the Net:

Center for Security Policy: http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/

[Samram001]

Daily Word ? Saturday, October 24, 2009

World Peace
Our expressions of love and compassion create a world at peace.
With every loving thought we hold, every kind word we express, we contribute to a world at peace. Each of us has the power to love and the ability to be patient and forgiving, no matter what is happening. Even in the appearance of turmoil and trouble, we can affirm: Peace, be still. We can still troubled waters with the power of our love.
As we go about our day, we express compassion wherever possible. As we pray, we see the divine good in our loved ones and we inspire others. Centered in the divine nature of our being and the oneness that we are, we are powerful. Our smallest acts combine with the actions of others to create a world at peace, a world that works for all.
"So that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."--John 17:26

[sundayweiss]

dithering is the word I would use to describe Cheney, and his daughter. his time in office as vp is over, he is retired, he needs to go fly a kite with his Grandchildren and let a 21st century team of politicians move forward. He had his time. I don't think many are intrested in his war storys, we want to move to a future, not dwell in the passed, and no, I do not believe this generation is doomed to rrepeat the failures of the past. Cheney and his clan are just having a hard time with their past and the decisions they are responsible and accountable for so they want to nit pick this administration. Obama is planning on living with his legacy, not hideing from it or makeing excuses for his decisions, that is called thoughtful informed leadership, not dithering, dithering is taking to long to make the decision, then making the totally wrong decision. perfect description for that clan.

[Omni-Present101]

A request for "an increase in troops sat on desks in this White House (during the presidency of George W. Bush), including the vice president's, for more than eight months, a resource request filled by President Obama in March."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs fires back at Cheney over troop levels in Afghanistan
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs fired back at former Vice President Dick Cheney the day after Cheney said President Obama "seems afraid to make a decision" about a general's public plea for 40,000 more U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

"The White House must stop dithering while America's armed forces are in danger," Cheney said in a speech at the Center for Security Policy on Oct. 21.

In his daily press briefing the next day, Gibbs said Cheney's comments were "curious" given that "the vice president was for seven years not focused on Afghanistan."

And, Gibbs said, the comments were "even more curious given the fact that (a request for) an increase in troops sat on desks in this White House, including the vice president's, for more than eight months, a resource request filled by President Obama in March."

Gibbs is referring here to a request for additional troops made by the previous top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. David McKiernan, during President George W. Bush's final year in office.

McKiernan made his requests public in a press conference in September 2008 in Afghanistan, saying he needed at least three more combat brigades, in addition to the one Bush had promised in January. He said more soldiers and resources were needed to stabilize insurgencies in Afghanistan.

"The danger is that we'll be here longer and we'll expend more resources and experience more human suffering than if we had more resources placed against this campaign sooner," McKiernan told reporters.

"The additional military capabilities that have been asked for are needed as quickly as possible," he said.

McKiernan said then that the Pentagon validated his formal request for additional troops, and that his request dated back to when he replaced his predecessor four months prior.

In a news briefing at the Pentagon on Oct. 1, 2008, McKiernan reiterated his call for more troops -- "the level of effort needs to be increased" -- and said he was hoping to see a shift of assets from Iraq to Afghanistan.

"I know that's a choice that has to be made here in Washington," he said.

"I think there's a common view that we need to do more; that Afghanistan has been an economy of force for the last several years," McKiernan said.

On Feb. 17, 2009, Obama ordered the deployment of an additional 17,000 soldiers to Afghanistan.

According to a story in the Baltimore Sun on Feb. 18, 2009, "The deployment is Obama's response to a long-standing request from commanders in Afghanistan for more troops. The commanders have sought four more combat brigades, aviation units and other support, representing an increase of more than 20,000 troops."

In a March speech outlining a new strategy for the war there, Obama said that "for six years, Afghanistan has been denied the resources that it demands because of the war in Iraq."

Obama then seemed to take a swipe at the Bush administration when he added that he ordered the additional troops to satisfy a request that came from Gen. McKiernan "for many months."

The public doesn't have access to McKiernan's formal request for more troops. But we know that he was talking about it publicly in September 2008, at least 4 1/2 months before the end of Bush's term. And McKiernan told reporters his request went back nearly to the start of his taking over as the top U.S. commander four months before that. That would suggest Gibb's claim is correct that it had been sitting on desks in the White House for eight months. And so we rule his statement True.

[auntc3]

Lets change Cheney name to WINDY....hes all talk now, now that he is out of office...what did he do the whole time he was in there...NOTHING. Now, he want to sell his book.....he will make all kinds of comments now ...to advertise his BOOK...no one wants to read.

[robinspp]

Mr.Dick wants to win. Win against whom. When you are fighting against a small group of people, why do you say winning? It shows your arrogance. We are super power, if we fight against a powerful country, and then there is meaning to say about winning. Actually the people are fighting against the foreign occupation. You may suppress them momentarily; it doesn?t mean winning. Winning means getting the hearts and mind of the people, which is impossible.

[formrusmcsgt]

Cheney was part of a team who wasted 7 years in Afghanistan.

The situation today is a reflection of his qualifications as a strategist.

[eyesopenwide]

Why is this sub-human not in prison awaiting the same fate as Sadam?

A million humans are dead because Darth the Cheney and the rest of the Bush/Cheney crime syndicate lied 962 times publicly (wmd) and drug us into these faked wars for bloodmoney profit.

Which is why he's still rattling his pathetic sabre of terror.

Start the war-crime trials now.

[stuwerb]

If "dithering" means making a wise, informed decision, then Mr. President, dither away! If "dithering" means an end to the disastrous foreign policy of the 8 years prior to January 2009, then Mr. President, dither away!

[BeckieBest]

Cheney has no shame and no conscience.

He dithered in Afghanistan for 7 years while he focussed on trying to steal Iraq's oil.

He failed miserably at both because of his criminal incompetence.

But he did manage to make millions with his Halliburton stock due to the no-bid contracts he aproved for them.

[LincolnMercury]

Dick Cheney has a lot of brass. The Bush administration lowered the dignity of this nation for 8 years, proving that the most vulgar, base and evil aspects of American society can somehow float to the top and claim power. President Obama is taking a measured step in considering the expense of American lives, something his administration never thought twice about.

[watkinsjr2000]

It's basically unprecedented for a high ranking official from the previous administration to so openly & frequently criticize a new administration.Many times following precedent is a good idea. This is one of those times.Mr. Cheney,I'm quite sure most of us would love you to just shut up & go back to your Bat-Cave !!

[gkatthebeach]

Even in a town known for hypocracy and untruth, Cheney sets a new standard. Dick Cheney is one of the few people on earth who cannot criticize anyones Afghan policy. He was Vice President, and by all accounts the administration official most in charge of military action in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2001 the Taliban had been driven out of Afghanistan by US and other nations fighting along side the "Northern Alliance" Afghans. Schools were reopened, women were again free to participate in society, and life returned to normal. By the end of Mr Cheney's watch, the Taliban had regained control of more than 80% of the country. Great job Cheney.

[realist51]

really DICK! just what the hell did your administration do for seven years in afghanistan. if you thought you had all the answers why did't you run for president? it would probably be best if you did like George is doing go to texas climb into a hole and just shut it. you had your chance and didn't acheive anything. any republican't that would stand up for you is truly a sightless person lead buy a blind one.

[refriedbean]

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jasarack1]

After eight disasterous years of foreign policy blunders of the Bush-Cheney administration, we have "trigger-happy" Dick telling President Obama how to solve the disasters that he and sidekick George created. Simply another example of arrogance and stupidity.

[BeckieBest]

Bush and Cheney "dithered" in Afghanistan for 7 long years while they focussed their incompetent efforts on stealing Iraq's oil.

They failed at winning either war and left a total disaster to our new President.

Right wing nuts are always blaming others for their failures.

[garyl615]

This is the Mission Accomplished Vice President. Can you imagine if Obama today put that banner on an Afghan building. Stupid republicans...better off seen and not heard. Shut up Cheney.

[GOPstruthbemolded]

Im surprised u tea-baggers and birthers are even looking at this pinko cbs site. do u goofballs realize Obama doesnt want this country to go to hell.
After u pull your head out of Cheney's bottom u might be able to see that
the Bush Administration left him the worst mess a president has had to deal with. You'd think that after 8 years of having a cheer- leading chimp run the show, it'd be kinda nice to see a president who is intelligent, thoughtful, and can actually string a sentence together.

what with all the idiocy shown during those town hall meetings the rest of the world must be sniggering . i loved the comment, "I dont want the gov't involved with my medicare."

[Riot5000]

DICK CHENEY should be in JAIL for what he did to America and Iraqi children.
Why is he still out here running his ignorant, semi comatose Brain?

[ftsumner1]

Don't dither, jump right in and kill hundreds of thousands who DIDN'T attack us. That's Cheney's way of doing things (Iraq). Nearly all bullies are basic cowards, as Cheney proved when he got several deferrals to avoid the Viet Nam war. Patriot? My countrymen are the dumbest buncha...

[fariborzzak]

YES don't dither and waste our TAXES in Afghanistan.We have enough kids to being killed in Afghanistan ,it is good solution jobless people.

[fedup12]

I wouldnt say this about just anyone but I think Cheney is true evil!!!

I plan to have a party when he dies and I hope it is soon.

[Omni-Present101]

A request for "an increase in troops sat on desks in this White House (during the presidency of George W. Bush), including the vice president's, for more than eight months, a resource request filled by President Obama in March."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs fires back at Cheney over troop levels in Afghanistan
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs fired back at former Vice President Dick Cheney the day after Cheney said President Obama "seems afraid to make a decision" about a general's public plea for 40,000 more U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

"The White House must stop dithering while America's armed forces are in danger," Cheney said in a speech at the Center for Security Policy on Oct. 21.

In his daily press briefing the next day, Gibbs said Cheney's comments were "curious" given that "the vice president was for seven years not focused on Afghanistan."

And, Gibbs said, the comments were "even more curious given the fact that (a request for) an increase in troops sat on desks in this White House, including the vice president's, for more than eight months, a resource request filled by President Obama in March."

Gibbs is referring here to a request for additional troops made by the previous top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. David McKiernan, during President George W. Bush's final year in office.

McKiernan made his requests public in a press conference in September 2008 in Afghanistan, saying he needed at least three more combat brigades, in addition to the one Bush had promised in January. He said more soldiers and resources were needed to stabilize insurgencies in Afghanistan.

"The danger is that we'll be here longer and we'll expend more resources and experience more human suffering than if we had more resources placed against this campaign sooner," McKiernan told reporters.

"The additional military capabilities that have been asked for are needed as quickly as possible," he said.

McKiernan said then that the Pentagon validated his formal request for additional troops, and that his request dated back to when he replaced his predecessor four months prior.

In a news briefing at the Pentagon on Oct. 1, 2008, McKiernan reiterated his call for more troops -- "the level of effort needs to be increased" -- and said he was hoping to see a shift of assets from Iraq to Afghanistan.

"I know that's a choice that has to be made here in Washington," he said.

"I think there's a common view that we need to do more; that Afghanistan has been an economy of force for the last several years," McKiernan said.

On Feb. 17, 2009, Obama ordered the deployment of an additional 17,000 soldiers to Afghanistan.

According to a story in the Baltimore Sun on Feb. 18, 2009, "The deployment is Obama's response to a long-standing request from commanders in Afghanistan for more troops. The commanders have sought four more combat brigades, aviation units and other support, representing an increase of more than 20,000 troops."

In a March speech outlining a new strategy for the war there, Obama said that "for six years, Afghanistan has been denied the resources that it demands because of the war in Iraq."

Obama then seemed to take a swipe at the Bush administration when he added that he ordered the additional troops to satisfy a request that came from Gen. McKiernan "for many months."

The public doesn't have access to McKiernan's formal request for more troops. But we know that he was talking about it publicly in September 2008, at least 4 1/2 months before the end of Bush's term. And McKiernan told reporters his request went back nearly to the start of his taking over as the top U.S. commander four months before that. That would suggest Gibb's claim is correct that it had been sitting on desks in the White House for eight months. And so we rule his statement True.