New York Times — Decision on Afghan Troops May Wait


Americans understand that losses are part of achieving the aims of a war. But seeing troops die in service of an unclear objective or because of political hand wringing is another matter.

Sixty nine troops have died in Afghanistan since President Obama started his lengthy reconsideration of the war there, starting with his review of the McChrystal report on deteriorating security conditions. Obama is starting to pay a heavy political price for suspending his strategy, announced in March and vigorously defended in August, with troops still in harms way.