Please note: Posted on the eve of President Obama's address to the American people about his decision regarding troop levels in Afghanistan. The following is what I had hoped I might hear from my President, but what Obama appears unlikely to say:
...My administration has completed a thorough review and debate on what course we should take in Afghanistan. In the media you have likely heard about many of the options explored by members of my administration. You have also heard the criticism that we have taken too long and are acting indecisively. I am confident that most Americans would not want us to make this pivotal decision hurriedly. Hurried decisions about war have been painful lessons for our nation. I have made a decision that I would like to talk with you about and ask for your support. It is a choice that I believe a majority of Americans have already come to.
In the coming weeks we will initiate discussions with our coalition partners, the Afghan government and other nations in the region on setting a timetable for withdrawing American and coalition armed forces. We will not be sending more troops. The results of these discussions and negotiations will determine our timetable for withdrawal. However, our goal is end United States military presence in Afghanistan within two years, sooner if possible. This will be done with the utmost care to ensure the safety of our troops.
Why have we come to this conclusion? First, and I wish to be clear about this, we are not abandoning the Afghan people, we are simply acknowledging that our continued military presence is an obstacle to any hope for Afghan national reconciliation. We are perceived as occupiers, who do not intend to leave. Thus Afghanis’ energy is directed at expelling the invaders, instead of being directed toward resolving their own conflicts and working to improve the lives of all Afghans.
There have been many mistakes made in our nation’s response to the terrorist attacks of 9-11. These mistakes can be characterized by impatient and overreach. This was certainly the case in Iraq and it has become more clear during our review this was also the case in Afghanistan.
There are those who will criticize our decision as a failure to win the war and that by doing so are dishonoring the service men and women who have sacrificed so much. Yet, I think most of you would agree that to continue on a course that is mistaken for the sake of misplaced pride would be a disservice to the men and women of the armed forces. Such misguided pride would only harm our national interests, our safety and bleed our treasury.
And we have learned better ways to fight terrorism since 9-11 that do not require a full-scale assault by our armed forces. And these strategies continue to be very effect in securing the safety of Americans, at home and abroad.
As a first step in deescalating our engagement in Afghanistan we will cease offensive operations, including the use of unmanned drones. Although great care has been taken to minimize civilian casualties, we have deemed that the continued use of such drones would be counterproductive, as more civilian casualties will further undermine our credibility.
We hope these gestures, and others that will be forthcoming, will encourage some of the traditional tribal leaders to begin discussing the possibilities for national reconciliation and also rejects the use of their nation and tribal lands as a refuge for terrorists. Other sectors and leaders of the society, including the Taliban and religious leaders, will also need to choose between a path of internal war or a path toward peace, security and progress. In the best interests of the Afghan people we hope they can find a peaceful resolution of their differences. We will assist this process as needed, but we have learned we cannot orchestrate it. It must come for the society itself.
The result may not be what we would hope for, nor is it likely to bring equality for women in the near future. The recipe of individual freedom and equality cannot be installed by force. This too we have learned. Our own countries’ imperfect history shows that securing democratic and civil rights can be a long, painful process. Yet, the ideas of freedom and democracy are never suppressed for long. I am hopeful that our own example and that of other nations will propel the Afghan people to create their own struggle for a democratic future that will provide for the full participation of women in creating a prosperous society. We stand ready to be of any non-military assistance to democratic-minded Afghans in this struggle.
On the economic development front and aid to Afghanistan. Suspending offensive military operations and gradually reducing our military forces will allow us to divert part of what would have been spent on military operations to providing more effective economic assistance. Should the country reach reconciliation or at minimum find a means to hold a truce between factions these funds could quickly improve the lives of Afghan families.
Alleviating the desperate condition of people lives must become the goal of all leaders of Afghan society. Continuing to make war would be to fail. This is also a reason we are suspending our offensive military operations. Economic activity, whether it is farming or commerce, cannot take place in war zones.
I ask for your support for this new and hopefully more fruitful course. And I ask that you take time to honor the contribution of our men and women in the armed forces, especially as they return. They did not set the mission or the strategy. The mistakes that have been made are not a reflection on their service, honor or commitment.
My administration’s task to change course in Afghanistan will be very difficult and its success is dependent on many factors beyond our control. We hope the nations in the region will be helpful and we look forward to a dialogue with them as we move forward. I will keep you informed from time to time on these developments. And I assure you that the efforts of our intelligence agencies, FBI and military forces will continue their vigilant efforts to protect the nation from terrorist acts. I commend them for their effectiveness.
In closing, I appeal to you to help reconcile our own differences that have arisen over the two wars that our political leaders, Republican and Democrat, committed the nation. With these steps we are taking in Afghanistan and the process underway in Iraq, my administration will be working to end our military involvement. I believe this is what a majority of Americans desire and will support. For those who disagree with this sentiment and my Administrations choices, I ask that you give our strategy some time to work. To those tens of millions of Americans who have consistently opposed these wars, I ask that you play a helpful role in reconciling our divisions.
Our foremost thoughts should be with those men and women who when called to combat by their political and military leaders, responded with an unflinching commitment to our nation when they know it could lead to the ultimate sacrifice.
I thank you for your attentiveness and patience tonight.
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