Abdullah Elaborates

The lead article in today’s New York Times is titled, “Out of Race, Karzai Rival is Harsh Critic of Election.” It describes the withdrawal of Abdullah Abdullah from the Presidential runoff election in Afghanistan. The former Foreign Minister of the country, Mr. Abdullah withdrew because he claimed it would not be a fair election, and there would be at least as much fraud as the first time around.

The polls, however, suggested that Mr. Karzai would have won the election in any case, and the Obama administration moved to close ranks with him, even though their final decision on additional troops is still describes as at least three weeks away, after President Obama returns from his upcoming Asian trip.

Observers noted that President Karzai could increase his legitimacy by appointing competent ministers to his new cabinent who would fight systemic corruption and try to extend governance from Kabul throughout the entire nation. Meanwhile, Republicans continued to criticize President Obama for the length of time he is taking in considering a request for 40,000 more troops from General Stanley McChrystal.

In my opinion, it is refreshing to see the amount of study and deliberation from President Obama, a process that stands in marked contrast to the bluster and gut decisions of the Bush administration. I anticipate a nuanced approach that will go far beyond the number of troops and will evaluate benchmarks of progress, a clear mission and an exit strategy. Take your time, President Obama, it is enlightening to see how much you value the lives of young soldiers who will hang in the balance.