McChrystal "Absolutely" Backs Afghan Plan

Updated at 7:18 a.m. Eastern.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says he's "absolutely supportive" of the 18-month timeline for President Obama's troop surge even if Taliban forces try to wait out the increased U.S. commitment.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal told reporters Wednesday that even if the Taliban lay low, the 18-month period allows time to bolster Afghan military and governing capability to make it harder for the militants to return.

McChrystal also pointed out that the 18-month period to begin a U.S. withdrawal depends on conditions on the ground.

The general spoke after Obama announced plans to send 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan but begin a drawdown in July 2011 as conditions permit.

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Shortly after Obama's speech, Gen. Stanley McChrystal told reporters, "I am absolutely supportive of the timeline," and that the time ahead would be used to build up Afghan forces to convince the people of this war-ravaged country that they can eventually take care of their own security.

"In a counterinsurgency, what we're really trying to do is protect the people," he said. McChrystal added that if the Afghan government used the time to increase its capabilities "then it makes it much more difficult for the insurgents returning."

"But to a degree the insurgents can't afford to leave the battlefield while the government of Afghanistan expands its capacity," he said.

McChrystal said NATO and U.S. forces would hand over responsibility for securing the country to the Afghan security forces "as rapidly as conditions allow" but cautioned that success would also depend on improvements in governance and economic development aid.

He said the coalition must "show clear commitment and resolve" and convince the Taliban "that they cannot win - that there is not a way for the insurgency to win militarily."

"I think the second thing we need to do is to convince them that the reasons that they are participating are not valid," by tackling corruption and improving governance.

McChrystal said he met Wednesday with Afghan President Hamid Karzai for nearly one hour at the presidential palace and described the leader's reaction as "really positive."

"The president was very upbeat, very resolute this morning," he said. "I really believe that everybody's got a focus now that's sharper than it was 24 hours ago."

[morgan378]

General McChrystal needs to accept the plan since it was his own. I hope this means our abilities to take the ight to the Taliban and Al Quida are enhanced and he's not asking more troops in 18 months. There's a limit. The Aghani's don't use last names, probably didn't know what a computer was until we showed up 8 years ago, can't read. have no calendars and think that's whatever happens to them is "God's Will" - so little initiative or change is able to permeate their basic culture. I hope we're able to get them at least an 8th grade education by the time we leave or all will be in vain. This is unlike Iraq where many were educated at least to an 8th grade level. Both women and men. But with the additional monies being sent in terms o donations rom Japan and European countries - hope this hurdle can be overcome. In the words written by Winston Churchill, "We were able to blast the viper in it's nest beore tragedy ocurred."

[briannorwood]

McChrystal made a big mistake by going public with his troop request. My guess is he will be gone by the end of January.

[bubbadubba]

"I absolutely back this plan, well sort of, kind of, besides we can stay for 100 years if we don't like "conditions on the ground".
This is worse than Vietnam.
At least Nixon had the guts to get us out of that mess, we have nobody.

[formrusmcsgt]

I think McChrystal made himself look like an absolute fool. Three months ago he was shooting of his yap about "requiring" 40,000 additional troops.

Now, he's "absolutely" backing a plan that includes 30,000 troops.

Either he didn't know what he was talking about 3 months ago, or he doesn't now - one or the other - maybe both.

[50BMS13]

formrusmcsgt
McChrystal asked Nato for the other 10,000 troops. He got 5,000 of them from NATO this morning.

[novamba]

Marine, what is McChrystal supposed to do? he is an officer and will not question the president publicly...he''l have to make do with what he is given...btw, 5000 nato troops are equivalent to about 1500 US troops, not enough experience, and they follow their own officers regardless of who the field marshall is, tough to follow two chains of command.

[bubbadubba]

"we must listen to those who commandeer our forces in battle and give them what they need."

Especially since they are doing such a great job and it has only been 8 years. AFGHANISTAN-NAM!

[bubbadubba]

"McChrystal also pointed out that the 18-month period to begin a U.S. withdrawal depends on conditions on the ground."

Ah there it is, the old loophole to make sure the oil companies get that pipeline in 18 months or we will simply kill more American troops for them.
I will pay my taxes in April, but it depends on conditions in my bank account.
I will pay my credit card payments, but it depends on conditions in my bank account.
I will do my job as expected but it depends on conditions that day.
I wish we could all use that loophole.
Nice typical General doubletalk.

[50BMS13]

General Stanley McChrystal's support of this decision is PROOF that Obama did the right thing. Yes, Obama is Commander in Chief. But ESPECIALLY at war time, we must listen to those who commandeer our forces in battle and give them what they need. BRAVO MR. PRESIDENT! You have gained the respect of all Americans left or right. You put America first....not politics. For those that voted for Obama and are dissapointed in the surge, just remember that he is a good man and bright as you thought, and that he NOW has the INTEL to make this decision. This brings with Nato's added 5,000 troops (announced this morning) total troops in Afghanistan to near 150,000. RUN FOR THE CAVES AL QAEDA AND TALIBAN! B1 bombers with GPS guided smart bombs will seal them shut! ps: please water the camels....the poor things are thirsty....

[novamba]

Were you so enthusiastically supporting our "commander in chief" when his last name was Bush? you speak like you actually sit on the National security briefings...Obama has no more clue about what he is doing than any other civilian giving orders from Washington...he has never nor will he ever see combat so his decisions are pretty much following somebody elses suggestions...an incomplete surge will work...incompletely.

[AOCGUY]

novamba - Throughout our entire history we have operated under the concept that the military is subordinate to the elected civilian leadership. This concept has served us well for over two centuries and hopefully will continue far into the future. While our Presidents have always sought the advise of their generals, the decisions are always the Presidents'. Remember HST "The Buck Stops Here"?