What's the next step for the war in Afghanistan?
The president wasn't clear as he announced his strategy for American involvement in the strife that has dragged on for nearly 17 years. But he was clear on one thing: He was not going to be clear on what his next step would be.
There was no time frame, and no mention of the number of troops -- either an increase or a decrease -- spoken of in his address to the nation Monday evening.
He did say that "My original instinct was to pull out," but he acknowledged that when he succeeded to the Oval Office, that issue was far more complicated than he expected.
However, he outlined three conclusions after long discussions and strategy sessions with military leaders and other advisers:
1/ The U.S. will seek "an honorable solution."
2/ The consequences of a rapid exit "are unacceptable," and America "cannot repeat the mistakes" of Iraq, when it disengaged from its intervention in that country. Leaving Afghanistan before the job is complete "would leave a power vacuum," which would be filled by other extremists.
3/ Finally, the president warned Pakistan that continuing to offer shelter to terrorists groups active in Afghanistan will not be tolerated. Also, he said he would seek help from India in resolving the Afghanistan war.
That last issue will be problematic, since India and Pakistan are arch-rivals, and both have nuclear weaponry.
The president gave few details on his new strategy for settling the Afghanistan issue, since he is reluctant to telegraph his intentions or plans.
"But in the end, we will win," he said.
How long that will be is anyone's guess.
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