Obama whistles past Afghanistan in annual address

WASHINGTON:In his first state of the union address on Wednesday night, US President Barack Obama re-emphasised an earlier pledge to start bringing back American troops from Afghanistan by 2011 to satisfy his own people who do not want a prolonged engagement in a distant war.

The US president uses his state of the union speech — delivered in a joint congressional session — to underline his achievements in the preceding year and to spell out his plans for the future. “In Afghanistan, we’re increasing our troops and training Afghan security forces so they can begin to take the lead in July of 2011, and our troops can begin to come home,” said Mr Obama, earning a standing ovation from the lawmakers and his guests.

In the president’s 7,308-word speech, there were only 92 words for Afghanistan, a place where more than 100,000 US soldiers are engaged in a fight with an enemy they were told threatens American lives and interests.

The decision to keep references to foreign policy issues to the minimum in one of the longest state of the union speeches in recent years, made it amply clear that the Obama administration would focus mainly on domestic issues in its remaining three years.

The emphasis will be on propping up a sagging economy, creating jobs and education reforms. Recent polls show that most Americans are focussed on economy and what it means for them.

The shift away from his other pet issues — health care reform and climate change — demonstrated the impact last week’s Republican win in the Massachusetts Senate race has had on the president’s agenda. But the way Mr Obama whistled past Afghanistan, surprised many in Washington. Some of them also noted that it took Mr Obama about an hour to utter the word “terrorist”.

The US media pointed out that about 850 words of Mr Obama’s 7,308-word address — around 12 per cent of the total — dealt with foreign affairs.

In contrast, President George W. Bush in his last address devoted some 2,200 words — 38 per cent of the total — to foreign policy issues.

Mr Obama mentioned “terrorists/terrorism” three times and “Al Qaeda” twice; Mr Bush in 2008 used “terror”, “terrorism” or “terrorists” 23 times and “Al Qaeda” 11 times. Mr Bush additionally used the words “extremists” or “extremism” nine times.

“Democracy” made two appearances in Mr Obama’s speech, while Mr Bush used “democracy” or “democratic” seven times.

Mr Obama made reference to Afghanistan, Iraq, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Haiti, Guinea, South Korea, Panama, Colombia, India, China and Germany.

He did not mention Pakistan.

He also failed to mention the Israeli-Palestinian issue, despite having made the push for a “two-state solution” a foreign policy priority in his inaugural speech last year.

National Security

In the portion dealing with national security, Mr Obama argued that the war against terrorism must be won, and that it required a bipartisan approach.

“Throughout our history, no issue has united this country more than our security. Sadly, some of the unity we felt after 9/11 has dissipated,” he said.

“So let’s put aside the schoolyard taunts about who is tough. Let’s reject the false choice between protecting our people and upholding our values. Let’s leave behind the fear and division, and do what it takes to defend our nation and forge a more hopeful future—for America and the world.”

Drawing on classified information available to him, Mr Obama claimed more success than his predecessor at killing terrorists: “In the last year, hundreds of Al Qaeda’s fighters and affiliates, including many senior leaders, have been captured or killed — far more than in 2008,” he said.

Mr Obama said that in Afghanistan, his administration would “reward good governance”, work to reduce corruption, and support the rights of all Afghans — men and women alike.

“We’re joined by allies and partners who have increased their own commitments, and who … in London … reaffirm(ed) our common purpose. There will be difficult days ahead. But I am absolutely confident we will succeed,” he declared.
Source:dawn.com/