Haiku 100209

on the sand
the sea ebbs and flows
fresh canvas

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Recently, we read the following:

NPR: “A Turning Point For Afghan War, And For Obama” by Kevin Whitelaw

"President Obama has spent most of his young presidency grappling with tremendous challenges, between trying to rescue the struggling economy and pushing for a major overhaul of the country's health care system. But a request from his top general in Afghanistan for more troops sets Obama up for perhaps his most difficult and momentous decision yet.

"With U.S. troops facing spiraling violence and a growing insurgency, Obama must decide whether to renew America's commitment to the war and boost troop levels by more than 50 percent.

"The moment is fraught with historical parallels, from Vietnam to Iraq…

"Obama says he is still conducting a strategic review of his options in Afghanistan…"

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And we thought:

…No doubt President Obama wishes he had a fresh canvas to work on in Afghanistan. Since he doesn’t, he has to deal with the various geo-political hues already painted in place.

The Vietnam war taught us at least three things: (1) You can’t fight an unconventional war with a conventional one. (2) You can’t fight a war on behalf of a people. (2) You can’t entrust resources, intended to help a people fight, to their corrupt leaders and politicians.

No doubt Obama, apparently a student of history, has a keen mind. He also has keen advisers. They will help him figure things out…