Oh, Donald. Why couldn't you have been less...you

[P1tchblack]

So much potential wasted...

AP sources: Trump to order troop cuts in Afghanistan, Iraq


President Donald Trump is expected to cut a significant number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and a smaller number in Iraq by the final days of his presidency, U.S. officials said Monday. The plan would run counter to military commanders†advice over the past year, while still falling short of Trumpâ€s much-touted goal to end Americaâ€s long wars.
The decision comes just days after Trump installed a new slate of loyalists in top Pentagon positions who share his frustration with the continued troop presence in the war zones. But the expected plans would leave 2,500 troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan, meaning that President-elect Joe Biden would be the fourth president to grapple with the still-smoldering conflicts launched in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

more:
https://apnews.com/article/trump-troop-r...50139ae048

[ScarletHayes]

Will be interested to see the suburban, white, soccer mommy reaction when we inevitably start nation building again with good ole uncle Joe.  But hey, at least Joe isn't a big meanie on twitter.

[P1tchblack]

It's almost like Republicans just don't ever want me to vote for them... ever again. The Donald is the voice of reason? Really?

Republicans livid over Trumpâ€s plan to reduce troops in Afghanistan
McConnell says Trumpâ€s move will “delight” U.S. enemies.

Congressional Republicans on Monday slammed President Donald Trumpâ€s plan for a swift reduction of U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan, warning that it would be a gift to Americaâ€s enemies and would undermine progress already made in the region.

“A rapid withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan now would hurt our allies and delight the people who wish us harm,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said bluntly.


The Kentucky Republicanâ€s remarks came as POLITICO reported that the White House has instructed the Pentagon to begin planning for a significant drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. A defense official told POLITICO that under the proposal, just 2,500 American troops would remain in each country by Jan. 15, just five days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office. Currently, there are 4,500 to 5,000 troops in Afghanistan and around 3,000 in Iraq.


Other Republicans agreed with McConnell on Monday.

“The concern would be it would turn into a Saigon-type of situation where it would fall very quickly and then our ability to conduct operations against terrorist elements in the region could be compromised,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a brief interview. “Thatâ€s my primary concern right now.”

Republicans expressed widespread fear that lowering the number of troops could allow the Taliban to continue to overthrow elements of the Afghan government.

“You canâ€t simply unilaterally draw down troops,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Armed Services Committee. “I think itâ€s a serious mistake to unilaterally walk away.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/16...ion-436821

[ScarletHayes]

Almost 20 years now Mitch.  We still making progress?  

This is just a small part of burning DC down on his way out the door.  I love it.  I absolutely love it.

[Conanthelibrarian]

Im all for reducing troops. Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world. Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending.
I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid.

We have accomplished so little for so much American blood and money. I admit, I was initially on board. But nation building in cultures and areas without the prerequisite ideals is just a waste of lives and money. Countries get the government and culture they deserve.

And honestly, who am I to say the Afghans cant have Sharia law if they want. Democracy is not for everyone.

[K9Buck]

We can leave Afghanistan. If it reverts to an international base of terror, we may have to respond.

[3rdgensooner]

Leave the Middle East. Bomb them occasionally if you need to stop a terror attack. Keep the intelligence there by throwing a little money around. Let the Russians have the whole thing except Israel. It's the worst thing we could do to them. 
Outside of Israel there are no good guys there. Our friends are as bad or worse than our enemies.

[wydileie]

Im all for reducing troops.  Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world.  Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending. 
I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid. 

We have accomplished so little for so much American blood and money.  I admit, I was initially on board.  But nation building in cultures and areas without the prerequisite ideals is just a waste of lives and money.  Countries get the government and culture they deserve. 

And honestly, who am I to say the Afghans cant have Sharia law if they want.  Democracy is not for everyone.

Democrats generally vote yes on approving military spending, as well. This is not a Republican only thing. Obama got us in more conflicts and deployed an insane amount of predator drones to bomb various places. No one ever talks about that. 

I have no real problem with military spending, although it is certainly bloated through some backroom handshakes and other nonsense which makes us pay so much more for goods and services than we need to, but I agree we should be reducing troops. We need to refocus spending on technology improvements to make sure we stay far ahead of everyone else in the technology game when it comes to cyber warfare, robotics, and AI.

[P1tchblack]

Im all for reducing troops.  Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world.  Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending. 
I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid. 

We have accomplished so little for so much American blood and money.  I admit, I was initially on board.  But nation building in cultures and areas without the prerequisite ideals is just a waste of lives and money.  Countries get the government and culture they deserve. 

And honestly, who am I to say the Afghans cant have Sharia law if they want.  Democracy is not for everyone.

Democrats generally vote yes on approving military spending, as well. This is not a Republican only thing. Obama got us in more conflicts and deployed an insane amount of predator drones to bomb various places. No one ever talks about that. 

I have no real problem with military spending, although it is certainly bloated through some backroom handshakes and other nonsense which makes us pay so much more for goods and services than we need to, but I agree we should be reducing troops. We need to refocus spending on technology improvements to make sure we stay far ahead of everyone else in the technology game when it comes to cyber warfare, robotics, and AI.

Sounds like you two need to take on the LIBERTARIAN view of the military, not Crappy Option D and Crappy Option R.

[Conanthelibrarian]

Im all for reducing troops.  Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world.  Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending. 
I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid. 

We have accomplished so little for so much American blood and money.  I admit, I was initially on board.  But nation building in cultures and areas without the prerequisite ideals is just a waste of lives and money.  Countries get the government and culture they deserve. 

And honestly, who am I to say the Afghans cant have Sharia law if they want.  Democracy is not for everyone.

Democrats generally vote yes on approving military spending, as well. This is not a Republican only thing. Obama got us in more conflicts and deployed an insane amount of predator drones to bomb various places. No one ever talks about that. 

I have no real problem with military spending, although it is certainly bloated through some backroom handshakes and other nonsense which makes us pay so much more for goods and services than we need to, but I agree we should be reducing troops. We need to refocus spending on technology improvements to make sure we stay far ahead of everyone else in the technology game when it comes to cyber warfare, robotics, and AI.

Sounds like you two need to take on the LIBERTARIAN view of the military, not Crappy Option D and Crappy Option R.

I agree on the tech side of things wydileie.  But we spend more than just about everyone else put together.  If we cant keep the US safe with 600 Billion, then we are doing something wrong.    
Id like to be ahead of the curve with cyber stuff and tech, but I dont want to sue our military unless absolutely needed.  And then not for nation building.  Get in, destroy the enemy, and get out.  Use special forces for surgical strikes, things like that.  
Maybe that is the Libertarian thinking with the military Pitch, I honestly dont know.  If it is, then Im on board.

[3rdgensooner]

Im all for reducing troops.  Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world.  Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending. 
I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid. 

We have accomplished so little for so much American blood and money.  I admit, I was initially on board.  But nation building in cultures and areas without the prerequisite ideals is just a waste of lives and money.  Countries get the government and culture they deserve. 

And honestly, who am I to say the Afghans cant have Sharia law if they want.  Democracy is not for everyone.

Democrats generally vote yes on approving military spending, as well. This is not a Republican only thing. Obama got us in more conflicts and deployed an insane amount of predator drones to bomb various places. No one ever talks about that. 

I have no real problem with military spending, although it is certainly bloated through some backroom handshakes and other nonsense which makes us pay so much more for goods and services than we need to, but I agree we should be reducing troops. We need to refocus spending on technology improvements to make sure we stay far ahead of everyone else in the technology game when it comes to cyber warfare, robotics, and AI.

Sounds like you two need to take on the LIBERTARIAN view of the military, not Crappy Option D and Crappy Option R.

If you paid attention to anything other than trolling you'd know you responded to a libertarian.

[P1tchblack]

Im all for reducing troops.  Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world.  Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending. 
I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid. 

We have accomplished so little for so much American blood and money.  I admit, I was initially on board.  But nation building in cultures and areas without the prerequisite ideals is just a waste of lives and money.  Countries get the government and culture they deserve. 

And honestly, who am I to say the Afghans cant have Sharia law if they want.  Democracy is not for everyone.

Democrats generally vote yes on approving military spending, as well. This is not a Republican only thing. Obama got us in more conflicts and deployed an insane amount of predator drones to bomb various places. No one ever talks about that. 

I have no real problem with military spending, although it is certainly bloated through some backroom handshakes and other nonsense which makes us pay so much more for goods and services than we need to, but I agree we should be reducing troops. We need to refocus spending on technology improvements to make sure we stay far ahead of everyone else in the technology game when it comes to cyber warfare, robotics, and AI.

Sounds like you two need to take on the LIBERTARIAN view of the military, not Crappy Option D and Crappy Option R.

If you paid attention to anything other than trolling you'd know you responded to a libertarian.

I'll be sure to get right on the task of memorizing every poster's political party/leanings and position on all political issues, mmmkay princess?

[3rdgensooner]

Im all for reducing troops.  Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world.  Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending. 
I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid. 

We have accomplished so little for so much American blood and money.  I admit, I was initially on board.  But nation building in cultures and areas without the prerequisite ideals is just a waste of lives and money.  Countries get the government and culture they deserve. 

And honestly, who am I to say the Afghans cant have Sharia law if they want.  Democracy is not for everyone.

Democrats generally vote yes on approving military spending, as well. This is not a Republican only thing. Obama got us in more conflicts and deployed an insane amount of predator drones to bomb various places. No one ever talks about that. 

I have no real problem with military spending, although it is certainly bloated through some backroom handshakes and other nonsense which makes us pay so much more for goods and services than we need to, but I agree we should be reducing troops. We need to refocus spending on technology improvements to make sure we stay far ahead of everyone else in the technology game when it comes to cyber warfare, robotics, and AI.

Sounds like you two need to take on the LIBERTARIAN view of the military, not Crappy Option D and Crappy Option R.

If you paid attention to anything other than trolling you'd know you responded to a libertarian.

I'll be sure to get right on the task of memorizing every poster's political party/leanings and position on all political issues, mmmkay princess?

No . No one expects you to know anything so don't bother. BTW take a look at original post again right under his user name.

[P1tchblack]

Democrats generally vote yes on approving military spending, as well. This is not a Republican only thing. Obama got us in more conflicts and deployed an insane amount of predator drones to bomb various places. No one ever talks about that. 

I have no real problem with military spending, although it is certainly bloated through some backroom handshakes and other nonsense which makes us pay so much more for goods and services than we need to, but I agree we should be reducing troops. We need to refocus spending on technology improvements to make sure we stay far ahead of everyone else in the technology game when it comes to cyber warfare, robotics, and AI.

Sounds like you two need to take on the LIBERTARIAN view of the military, not Crappy Option D and Crappy Option R.

If you paid attention to anything other than trolling you'd know you responded to a libertarian.

I'll be sure to get right on the task of memorizing every poster's political party/leanings and position on all political issues, mmmkay princess?

No . No one expects you to know anything so don't bother. BTW take a look at original post again right under his user name.

No, no.... I'm sending out PM's now to start a spreadsheet.  Don't you fret.

Here's what's under his username.  And?


Im all for reducing troops.  Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world.  Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending. 

I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid. 

[zigbee]

Im all for reducing troops.  Im a big military supporter, but our budget is bloated and needs reduced, as does our policing of the world.  Im almost a democrat when it comes to foreign wars and military spending. 
I realize that generals input is important, but they are also in the business of war, which we are trying to avoid. 

We have accomplished so little for so much American blood and money.  I admit, I was initially on board.  But nation building in cultures and areas without the prerequisite ideals is just a waste of lives and money.  Countries get the government and culture they deserve. 

And honestly, who am I to say the Afghans cant have Sharia law if they want.  Democracy is not for everyone.

Democrats generally vote yes on approving military spending, as well. This is not a Republican only thing. Obama got us in more conflicts and deployed an insane amount of predator drones to bomb various places. No one ever talks about that. 

I have no real problem with military spending, although it is certainly bloated through some backroom handshakes and other nonsense which makes us pay so much more for goods and services than we need to, but I agree we should be reducing troops. We need to refocus spending on technology improvements to make sure we stay far ahead of everyone else in the technology game when it comes to cyber warfare, robotics, and AI.

Sounds like you two need to take on the LIBERTARIAN view of the military, not Crappy Option D and Crappy Option R.

If you paid attention to anything other than trolling you'd know you responded to a libertarian.

I'll be sure to get right on the task of memorizing every poster's political party/leanings and position on all political issues, mmmkay princess?

Butt hurt some?   3rd Gen is right as rain on this.

wydileie Offline
Gruntled Libertarian
*