Winding Down the War

The lead article in today’s New York Times is titled, “Obama’s Speech on Afghanistan Envisions Exit.” It describes the strategy on Afghanistan he will outline in his speech on the topic tomorrow night at West Point.

According to the article, the speech will include details on an exit strategy, though no specific deadlines, and benchmarks for the Aghan government to meet including a reduction in internal corruption and a surge in the Afghan army. The leaks have already drawn attacks from both the left and the right, with the right attacking even an unspecified deadline, and the left protesting the cost and threatening to include a surtax.

In my opinion, we should all wait to hear what the President says. He has already said that the American people will support him when he describes the details of the policy, and I expect him to make a thorough and compelling case. President Obama has shown a talent for speaking above the heads of the politicians and pundits and addressing the American people directly,  as he did during the campaign on the issue of race.

The speech on Tuesday night should be required watching for all civic-minded individuals, and we should avoid looking at it through a partisan lens.