Afghanistan Buildup Continues To Divide Americans

On Tuesday, President Obama presented his case for the continuing involvement in Afghanistan, revealing he will send 30,000 more troops but also setting a date for when the units will begin to withdraw. In the days since, numerous politicians, analysts and organizations have offered their take on the new Afghanistan strategy.

However, even those who support Obama’s approach found it hard to agree with the entire plan. For example, the American Legion, an organization comprised of 2.5 million wartime veterans, praised the decision to send in more troops but said it is "troubled" by the attempt to set a timeline for withdrawal.

"[We are] opposed to any exit strategy that takes place before the mission in Afghanistan is accomplished," said national commander Clarence E. Hill, adding that "to do otherwise would more correctly be called a ‘surrender strategy’."

Meanwhile, USAction, a grassroots organization which also led the Americans Against Escalation in Iraq coalition, announced its support of the goal the end to the war, coupled with political and military benchmarks for success, but expressed concern about the plan to send new troops to the area.

"We firmly and resolutely oppose expansion of the war in Afghanistan," stressed USAction program director Alan Charney, explaining that in his view adding 30,000 more soldiers to the effort will make it hard to begin exiting in July 2011.