When War Goes Off the Radar

A minivan loaded with 1,000 pounds of explosives managed get through a checkpoint, and seconds later it exploded as it crashed into a wall at a military outpost in Afghanistan. When the dust cleared, six U.S. soldiers were dead and another dozen were injured.

This has been the most dangerous year thus far for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The death toll is nearing 500. Yet most days, news of the war goes unnoticed. There is talk of tax cuts and retail sales. Blizzards and John Boehner's tears. But, the war is pretty much off the radar. The war in Afghanistan is the real case of don't ask, don't tell. Because most of us would just as soon ignore it.

President Obama is reviewing the war strategy today even as intelligence reports paint a picture that is none-too-rosy -- all of which falls through the cracks as we head off to finish our shopping.

Just a Minute...I'm Harry Smith, CBS News