Afghanistan

After having read Obama's speech, here's is my opinion on what to do with Afghanistan.  Honestly, I have not a clue as to what the course of action is.  Here is where my conflict  lies.  On one hand,  there is the root cause of the conflict. September 11th 2001.  Obviously something that no one can really forget and for me gives the conflict its  legitimacy. (Unlike Iraq)  Despite the time that has passed, the memories of that day still remain as a constant reminder as to why we remain in Afghanistan in our pursuit of delivering justice to those responsible.

At the same time, how long can we stay?  What is the "smoking gun" that will signal that it is time for our departure? Is there one? Is it the death of Osama Bin Laden or some other significant military event?  

In Obama's speech this week, the President announced he would send 30000 troops to Afghanistan to reinforce those already serving and responding to the call of duty.  At the same time he announced the beginning of the removal of troops from Afghanistan in 2011.  

It is here that I find the the true conflict in my feelings and opinions on the war.  While I would still like to see justice served for those who perished on 9/11, I also have some doubts.  Does the U.S military have enough to time to get the job done?  Can we gain the cooperation of Pakistan and make this a two front attack against Al Qaeda and the Taliban?  Can the Afghan government even function?

Obviously these are just a few of the questions that exist on the subject matter, but it does pose and interesting dilema?  What will happen if Osama Bin Laden isn't dead by 2011, what happens?  Will that be considered a failure?  See... it could go on and on...

That is all for now.