I’ve known Karl Eikenberry for several years and he is as honorable as they come, and so it’s no surprise that he has chosen to run against (most of) the pack, especially his former comrades in the military. This is a man who served two tours in Afghanistan before becoming Ambassador, the man who initiated the training of an Afghan Army. So he knows what he’s talking about. His precise recommendations remain classified, but this is one of those rare acts of bureaucratic courage and, whatever your feelings about the war, it should be celebrated. I’m sure the President will carefully consider his point of view.
Meanwhile, as promised yesterday, here are my latest thoughts about the Afghanistan decision.