About the recent SOTU statement that we'd be out of Afghanistan in 2014.

[No Elephants]

I know you didn't believe it, so this will come as no surprise.

Feb 22, 4:25 PM EST

Up to 12,000 US, allied troops for Afghanistan

By ROBERT BURNS and LOLITA C. BALDOR
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. and its NATO allies revealed Friday they may keep as many as 12,000 troops in Afghanistan after the combat mission ends next year, largely American forces tasked with hunting down remnants of al-Qaida and helping Afghan forces with their own security.

Patience with the 11-year-old war has grown thin in the U.S. and Europe, yet Washington and its allies feel they cannot pick up and leave without risking a repeat of what happened in Afghanistan after Soviet troops withdrew in 1989: Attention turned elsewhere, the Taliban grabbed power and al-Qaida found refuge.

In disclosing that he and his NATO counterparts were discussing a residual force of between 8,000 and 12,000 troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said most allied defense ministers assured him they are committed to remaining part of a U.S.-led coalition.

"I feel very confident that we are going to get a number of nations to make that contribution for the enduring presence," Panetta told a news conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels at the conclusion of a defense ministers meeting.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_NATO_AFGHANISTAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-02-22-16-25-05


SOTU statement about leaving Afghanistan in 2014, broadcast worldwide by all networks in {U.S.} prime time. This statement? Friday night news dump.

[Enthusiast]

1. Seriously. How could Afghanistan ever get by without NATO troops?

They might start growing opium poppies or something. Or they might abuse, beat or kill women that seek to educate their daughters. Oh, wait.

[No Elephants]

2. A woman is running for President. She was on the Daily Show.

I'm guessing she'll lose. I just hope they don't kill her.

As an infant, her mother left her to die and she's running for President now.

Nothing like human will.

[Enthusiast]

3. She has great courage.

And my admiration.