UK Defense Secretary Criticizes Obama

[toomuchtime_]

The Defence Secretary's blunt remarks about the US threaten to strain further a transatlantic relationship Photo: REUTERS
Mr Ainsworth took the unprecedented step of publicly criticising the US President and his delays in sending more troops to bolster the mission against the Taliban.

A “period of hiatus” in Washington - and a lack of clear direction - had made it harder for ministers to persuade the British public to go on backing the Afghan mission in the face of a rising death toll, he said.

Senior British Government sources have become increasingly frustrated with Mr Obama’s “dithering” on Afghanistan, the Daily Telegraph disclosed earlier this month, with several former British defence chiefs echoing the concerns.

But Mr Ainsworth is the first Government minister to express in public what amounts to personal criticism of the US president’s leadership over the conflict which has so far cost 235 British lives.

Polls show most voters now want an early withdrawal, following the death of 98 British service personnel this year alone.

Ministers say the mission is vital to stop international terrorists using Afghanistan as a base, but Gordon Brown has promised an “exit strategy” that could start next year.

The Defence Secretary’s blunt remarks about the US threaten to strain further a transatlantic relationship already under pressure over the British release of the Lockerbie bomber and Mr Obama’s decision to snub Mr Brown at the United Nations in September.

Bob Ainsworth criticises Barack Obama over Afghanistan - Telegraph

 

[beowolfe]

A “period of hiatus” in Washington - and a lack of clear direction - had made it harder for ministers to persuade the British public to go on backing the Afghan mission in the face of a rising death toll, he said.

I guess it was easier to follow the previous POTUS into the wrong country even though they still couldn't persuade the British public to go along with it.

Do people even think about what they're saying any more?

 

[Oddball]

Friggin' racist limeys!

 

[JW Frogen]

Weakness and indecision have never really been winning numbers in the lottery of war and there are no friends among nations, only interests.

If our allies sense the current President does not have the metal to win they will desert him.

This has nothing to do with race, Democrat or Republican, right or wrong, it has to do with power reality.

It is this way and no other.