The steely strategy syndrome

I M Mohsin
Mike Gerson in Washington Post advocates that toughness be reflected in the forthcoming strategy of President Barack Obama. As the latter tends to be very statesmanlike, most of the rightwing stalwarts appear inclined to project it as a sign of weakness. Having got used to the laughable lingo of George W Bush, they have forgotten how another brilliant American, Bill Clinton, could mesmerise his interlocutors. Americans must appreciate that their president should carry a sound image based on his impression as a decent human being who exudes goodwill for the right causes at home and abroad. This will not take away the military threat that the US can pose. However, pugnacity pays possibly during a real war.
President Obama had his eighth session on Afghanistan before flying for his first Asian tour. Recently, he has talked repeatedly about his 'responsibility' to ensure that he does not send more Americans in harm's way. His words echo his unique conscientious consideration. Even some rightwing loonies have to concede that Obama is a patient listener like some of his illustrious predecessors. Now he must be working out the cost-benefit ratio of his decision on Afghanistan. Many, at home and abroad, respect his deliberative urge to weigh all options before risking more American lives in this ill-advised venture handed down to him, besides other disasters, by his raw precursor. As the US awaits the installation of Karzai for his second-term, many of the American families must be worried as the die would then be cast.
In Afghanistan itself, the situation is rather disturbing, as the Taliban are on the rampage. Lately, too many US troops have been put on DI-list. The army has acknowledged the shattering stress spreading among their deployed forces which is also, generally, causing demoralisation. It is now trying to make more psychiatrists available to the troops to offset the negative trend. There appears to be a dearth of specialists who would bite the bullet. In a statement, the US Army has voiced concern over the number of suicides and mounting drug addiction.
Pakistan has been experiencing hellish bombing, particularly in Peshawar. The worst one was launched last Friday against the ISI-building. It was an awfully powerful blast which shook areas far and wide. The death toll initially was 11 while about a hundred injured were taken to the hospitals. It is rather dispiriting for Pakistanis to see that even their much-maligned spy agency is not secured against such subversion, like the GHQ. People in Peshawar are perplexed which galvanizes the grapevine. One very popular buzz is that such subversion succeeds only with the help of US 'agencies'. The people worry for the security of their homeland in view of such complex fears which raises sundry squalid spectres. Los Angeles Times on November 15 wrote: "...disclosures a la George Tenet that the CIA has been offering "bounties" to ISI would further demonise the powerful.