Afghanistan Surprise

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “In Afghan Trip, Obama Presses Karzai on Graft,” describes the President’s surprise visit to Afghanistan yesterday. Shrouded in secrecy for security reasons, the trip included a rally with U.S. troops and a meeting with the President of Aghanistan, Hamid Karzai.

While the discussions at the meeting were not explicitly revealed, they were said to include the corruption that remains rampant in the Afghanistan government. While some progress is being made, there is also some backsliding as Mr. Karzai has now assumed the power of appointing all five members of the election commission that monitors political contests in the country.

There is also some bad geo-political news for the United States as Afghanistan is pursuing other alliances inimical to our interests. These include a recent meeting with the President of Iran and an arrangement to have China invest in the country’s copper reserves.

In my opinion, the political timing of this trip could not have been better. After his recent victory on healthcare, President Obama wants to change the subject to avoid giving the stage to his adversaries and their repeal campaign. He also wants to avoid excessive coverage of constituent meetings for Congressman who are returning to their districts. This trip to Afghanistan changes the subject in a way the Republicans cannot dispute.