Obama Makes Surprise Trip to Afghanistan
- Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:22am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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From the New York Times:
President Obama made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Friday as he sought to smooth over a troubled relationship with President Hamid Karzai and take stock of a nine-year-old American-led war that he hopes to begin winding down next summer.
Mr. Obama planned to head to the presidential palace to meet with Mr. Karzai, who has complained vocally about American military tactics in recent weeks. The president also planned to consult with his commanding general and visit American troops heading into another holiday season far from home.
Wrapped in a tight security cocoon, Mr. Obama was scheduled to be on the ground only for several hours in his second trip in nine months to a country ravaged by war. But his arrival came at critical juncture as he and other NATO allies are putting in place a transition plan intended to hand over control of the battlefield to Afghan forces starting in the new year with the hope of formally ending foreign combat operations there by the end of 2014.
UPDATE:
Scratch that. Obama was supposed to meet with Karzai, but bad weather forced a meeting cancellation. Plan B, a videoconference, was also later canceled due to bad weather. Obama eventually settled for a 15-minute phone call.
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Comments (134)
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:53amBut why? Afghanistan is already a broken pile of nothing with no economy to speak of. He has no work to do there. Golly.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:55amHey ghost, there are a couple rich drug lords over there. He needs to redistibute their wealth.
Report Post »vonryansexpress
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:50amBoy, he’ll have just enough time to hurry back for Sunday Service with the family.
Report Post »MeteoricLimbo
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:49amawww a rain-out.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:49amHow nice, maybe they can go to mosque together.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:49amThey say that a criminal always returns to the scene of his crime and the way he has treated our troops is definitely a crime.
Report Post »J.C. McGlynn
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:46pmWhy is it no one said anything when G.W. Bush went to Iraq and served breakfast to the troops on a Thanksgiving during his presidency? Or the mid-night visits to Dover AFB at night, saluting the fallen? Or at Dallas-Fort Worth Airpot greeting returning troops (videos can be found on youtube)? I‘ve been asking and haven’t found anybody yet. Reason I’m asking, You sound about as aggravated as I am when the press praises this idiot and says nothing about GWB.
Report Post »TruthMakesYouFree
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:45amAnyone Who Is Right Thinking KNOWS This Is Not True,,,,,, Because He PROMISED When HE Took Office, That ALL The Troops Would Be Brought Home,,,, SO,,, Who Is He Visiting, REALLY? Our Troops Are All Stateside,,, Gotta Be,,, RIGHT???????? NO?????? YOU KIDDING ME,,,,,,, WOW,,,, Watch For That Little Picture Of Him In A TAnk Like When Dean Was In That TanK Trying To See Out OVer The Top,,, WIth His LIttle Helmet,,,, Remember?????? WAIT FOR IT,,, WAIT FOR IT,,,,, sweet
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:54amThat was Dukakis in the tank.
Report Post »Ken
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:14pmHe’s probably smoking some poppies with his tal-i-ban buddies, and asking them to stop fighting our troops until they leave next year, so they can take over the country again!
Report Post »Ken
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:16pmHe also didn’t take that huuuuge entourage with him like he did in India. What’s up with that?
Report Post »TruthMakesYouFree
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:26pmYou Are Right, That WAS Dukakis,, not Dean,,, He’s Even SHorterThan Dean,,, standingontippytoes Looking over the top edge of that Tank,,,, great for his campaign,,, typical leftist who hated the military but wanted to use them
Report Post »heavyduty
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:44amHe’s keeps getting homesick. So he keeps sneaking over there. Hope he stays.
Report Post »LoveMyFreedom
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:41amWe have a tax bill to pass to save the economy and this joker of a President is no where to be seen… what a coward’s way out! If he hangs around Washington his name will get tagged to the renewal of the tax bill and his leftist buddies will be very upset with him! I hope he likes Afghanistan so well he decides to stay for awhile… how about at least 2 years?
Report Post »Dr. Frank Lippenheimer
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:39amAs if our service people aren’t in enough danger over there. Thanks, Barry. Have you learned which end of a rifle the bullets come out of yet?
Report Post »capnjack
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:37amWhy does this pathetic fool always run away from the real problems which are right here in the good old USA. This country is going down the tubes and he flies overnight to kiss up to some third world sadist.
Report Post »psst
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:54amCountry going down the tubes?
Report Post »Of course.. Hussein would not want it any other way.
If it wasn’t, he would be a failure.
mast_elec929
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:35amWe should rent out the White House because this fool is never at work. There are major decisions to be made before the year end and this idiot is sashaying over to Afghanistan for what?
Prepare people. The enemy is in the wire.
Report Post »Maybe the GEESE Know More than the BEES Know
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:28pmNo vacancy available at the WH….the spiders, rats, bees, flies and Heaven knows what else have it booked.
Report Post »tierrah
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:33amI’m wondering about the “convenience” of this unexpected trip. He left Dodge after the mid-term elections and now with the trouble on the hill, he’s skipped town again. Guess I’m too suspicious, huh? I think he doesn’t want to be associated with anything controversial … keep out of the limelight until the 2012 election is over.
Report Post »Race
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:33amAnd just how much did THIS little junket cost us Mr. O? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Report Post »Bigbird1960
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:41am40 hours @ $182,000.00 =’s $7,280,000.00 for just the plane. This guy is such an arshole
Report Post »booger71
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:32amMaybe he will stay there.
Report Post »mtnclimberjim
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:32amthis would be the perfect opportunity for the troops to arrest the traitor
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:31amThe question I’d have is, will he speak with even one of the troops?
When Biden was still a Senator, he was well known to hold up planes on the tarmac in 120+ degree heat with no a/c for hours on end for him and 4 staffers to get to the plane and take up 20 seats, and never even bother saying “Hello, how are you doing?”
Nevermind the “hotdog vendor” Biden is for TV appearances. That is what it is. TV.
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:42amyou’re kidding, right?
Report Post »Konservative PUNK
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:30amGotta go stroke Karzai‘s ego after the Wikileak revealed US’s true opinion of the Afghan leader.
Report Post »Tri-ox
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:30amI didn’t know that there were teleprompter-equipped golf courses in Afghanistan – Go Barry, Go Barry!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:50amGood one!
Report Post »Highland
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:57pmToo cold for golf in D.C. and his lip is still sore from his basketball injury, so he figured he may as well go to Afghanistan.
Report Post »silentwatcher
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:29amHe hasn’t made an apology about America yet this month……..doesn’t want to fall behind his scheduled appointments.
Report Post »norcalart
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:28amHe can’t stand being in Washington unless he is playing golf.
Report Post »Sledgehammer
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:27amHow many of the troops are trying to get on some duty that would keep them away from our Commander and Chief?
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:20pmA perfect excuse for them would be “I have the runs” just like the Communist in Chief
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:31pmI hear he’s handing out medals of honor today . One to a dog that ran with his tail between his legs from the scene of an IED, but in doing so saved the live of his handler who had to chase after him. The other goes to the maintenance (trucks) division of the 654th. national guard battalion who with careful craftiness saved the lives of their entire battalion by sabotaging the battalion vehicles thereby preventing the battalion from seeing any action while in country.
Report Post »Other than that his day is busy pretending to actually care about the nation he leads, which is to him a full time job.
mossbrain
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:27amThere was a real good General Westmoreland quote from the Vietnam era in the news a few days ago about not trying to bring democracy to civilizations where corruption has always been a way of life, not a good idea. Anyone got the quote?
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:08pmJFK Democrap , Mass started this war. Johnson Democrap , Tx continued this war. Johnson’s Rules of Engagement did not allow unrestricted bombing of targets in Communist North Vietnam. Hanoi and Haiphong harbor‘s which were the main supply point’s for NV,with ships from the Communist Soviet Union and Communist China. was off limits to our combat troops because we might piss these Communists off. A 24 hour notice that the harbor’s were a target might have changed the outcome of this war. Our pilot‘s were sacrificed by LBJ’s ROE’s. Our pilot‘s couldn’t bomb NV airfields that housed NV MIG‘s or power plant’s .by LBJ‘s ROE’s. What Westmoreland said is moot
Sailor
Report Post »M31Sailor
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:26amHis head towel is getting kind of ratty. Has to pick up a new one from the Taliban store.
Report Post »GulfPeg
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:35amI love humor whenever I can get it. Thanks M31Sailor. :)
Report Post »MilkMustache
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:36amYou got me laughing with this one. Nice.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:56amCute one.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:16pmSomeone said once that it isn’t a towel, it is a little sheet. They are not towel heads they are little sheet heads.
Report Post »knotaclu
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:58pmUT Kate, you are correct…they prefer we call it Sheet Head….So the headline should have read, Sheet Head makes surprise visit to Afghanistan…
Report Post »Freedom1984
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:04pmchuckle, chuckle, gufaw, gufaw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »BetterDays
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:26pmand for sure not “made in America”.
Report Post »George Washington
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 2:40pmHe is also shopping for burqas for Michelle, Malia, and Sasha. Poor Bo. I wonder if he knows what is going on. I would not be surprized if he does. Animals are much smarter than people give them credit for.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:26amwe can pretty much bet what the majority of us are thinking about this DUDE. too bad our nation has no American President to bravely, proudly, lead us.
Report Post »LVMerrily
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:20pmI’d be happy if he served time now. Why couldn’t this be incorporated into his last junket – wonder how much this one cost.
Report Post »youguysready_letsroll
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:19pmI would like to see our President go to the front lines during the visit and put some hot lead down range at the enemy – if even for 5 minutes. Lead from the front!
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:25amMaybe if Obama goes over there and licks Karzai’s boots they will all straighten up and stop the corruption.
Report Post »Konservative PUNK
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:32amGotta go stroke Karzai‘s ego after the Wikileak revealed US’s true opinion of the Afghan leader
Report Post »broker0101
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:39amBREAKING NEWS: Dozen or so Losers Make Completely Unsurprising Twentieth+ Post of the Day on The Blaze Comment Section All Before Noon.
Bad Thunder
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:39amtoo bad it’s a round trip…..
Report Post »knotaclu
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:39amreading the headline, I figured it was to visit the troops. But after thinking about it, I’ll bet ya $20 visiting the troops never crossed his mind….
Report Post »not funny
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:42amI may be wrong, but I’m pretty sure I heard that he will be on the ground there for 3 HOURS! Plus, he couldn’t meet with Karzai in person because of bad weather–and a planned videoconference was cancelled. At least he will be able to meet with the troops.
Report Post »psst
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:46amBroker0101.
Report Post »You Posted a reply.
Welcome.
M31Sailor
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:56amBroker has just created a 20 post limit. All Blazers that exceed the limit will receive a reprimand and a fine (payable to the DNC for not working 24 hours a day) to support the 53% of Democrats that deserve the fruits of your labor.
Sailor
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 11:57amAnyone figure that we could maybe, leave him there for a decade or two?
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:05pm@ Broker – it’s a shame you never have any actual comments to post, other than slam people for posting here. At least frequent posters here bring opinions, humor, and/or discussion to the table. You are what is referred to as a one-trick pony. Too bad that one trick is just a sad, passive-aggressive ego boost. I bet you feel a little rush of adrenaline when you hit send. At least maybe you won’t kick your dog today after burning all us losers with your unmatch wit.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:05pmI strongly urge that we get him put on the Terrorist No Fly list and deny him re-entry back into the country. He does use terror to incite political change after all, and his goals are the toppling of these united States. He clearly has done more to be on that list than a lot of people, and he’s clearly an enemy.
Whatcha say, can we get him on that list please?
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:12pm@Broker 0101
Breaking News: Broker is still playing the same broken record.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:12pmAwww Broker, don’t be hating. All I have to do today is laundry, and because I already did the little bit of business I needed to do today I’m going to go ahead and do whatever I want to with the rest of my time. That OK with you?
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:15pm@the blazers
A question, do you think Obama would have made this trip if some kind of stink over the deficit reduction committee was not being voted today? Or is there another critical (to Progressives) legislation coming up to a vote, like all five versions of the DREAM act I have heard of?
While the POTUS going to see troops and such in the line of fire is great (mind you I detest the home actions he supports in gutting our nation); it just seems a little too convenient at this time.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:27pmThey just stated on the news here that Obama will not meet face-to-face with Karzi due to bad weather interfering with the trip; they will use video monitors instead. Guess Obama’s trip planner forgot to see to a little detail called “SNOW!” that happens during the winters in high mountainous regions.
Report Post »knotaclu
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:35pmI think I owe someone $20. It appears he did meet with some troops. My bad….
Report Post »roguetea
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 12:41pmrogue, Talk, Empty Again
Some idiot on Fox just argued this trip was not designed to dodge the jobs crisis in America, because at the Executive level, it takes a long time to plan what might appear to be a spur of the moment trip. Jobs numbers coming out this week has been predictable for… forever. The fact that they would be bad has been predictable for months. What idiot did not foresee bad numbers leading up to Christmas 2010. Who, but the WH, scheduled the speech on jobs, today, when they knew it would not happen. This is a cowardly dodge of the American People, Dream, and Exceptionalism. This empty headed coward flies his body off to hide behind the hearts and souls of Exceptional Americans.
However, I suggest one positive angle. This Alinsky-ite perhaps is learning to keep his mouth shut, something not taught by Alinsky rules. Will he have to throw out his Rule book? A closed mouth can rescue the stupid politician from his own selfish brand of lunacy, like redistributive wealth / new world order. Some, like Grayson, fail to learn loose lips sink ships. However, whereas a politician keeping his mouth shut may appear to do less harm… it is impossible to govern, to lead, AMERICA, dodging the issues of the day. Has the once silent America silenced this verbose Administrator?
I expect this Administration to retreat into full blown campaign mode for the next two years where they always choose the topics… just like he did to his Senate seat. Does Administrative / Political dodge ball begin, sacrifice governing? I’d like to see Grayson run for President in 12. It will keep him away from home, Florida, his and mine. Could it not be a great debate, fought long and hard, who would be worse, ahh, oh, I mean better, Grayson or the current administrator? It would be a hilarious.
Report Post »tea party, Own 11, ROGUE ON
2
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:11pmHE SHOULD HAVE GONE LAST WEEK LIKE A MAN.
NOW THE TROOPS GET A LOOK AT ~~ “A Real Turkey!” ~~
Report Post »booger71
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 1:13pmHe needs to lick the boots of the brave men and women who serve in that sand pile
Report Post »Camo Pants
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 2:10pm@knotaclu
Report Post »So true….
jzs
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 2:25pmThe President goes to visit our troops, and the hate comes out on this website. The President goes on any diplomatic mission, and out comes the hatred and conspiracy theories. The President takes his wife on a date, and out comes the hatred. The First Lady dances with some kids from India, out comes the hatred. The First Family gets a dog for a pet, out comes the hatred.
It’s amusing, if predictable. Bet the troops were happy to see him though.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on December 3, 2010 at 4:40pm“You know,” Obama said in his speech at the Democratic National Convention, “John McCain likes to say that he’ll follow [Osama] bin Laden to the Gates of Hell, but he won’t even go to the cave where he lives.” http://www.hoover.org/publications/defining-ideas/article/5281
Try Pakistan, you sorry excuse for a CIC. Why won’t you visit Pakistan, where the real stakes are? Is it because you ruined our relations with that country even before you took office? Bring our abandoned troops home. Traitor. Wimp. Despicable agglutination of evil.
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