Research

Der Spiegel, a German news magazine with one of the largest circulations in Europe, penned an editorial today venting the growing frustration of European leaders towards President Obama’s continued indecision on Afghanistan, despite months of meetings, and a troop request by his leading commander in Afghanistan. 

Afghanistan and Pakistan are being shaken by attacks, and the Taliban is dictating the course of the war. US President Obama has been silent about the situation for far too long and European countries like Germany and France are correct to demand better American leadership on the issue of Afghanistan.

The President has been anything but clear on Afghanistan, and our allies are noticing President Obama’s indecision. As a candidate, Obama promised the resources necessary to win in Afghanistan, but as Der Spiegel points out: “Obama's silence stands in contrast with the impassioned rhetoric that carried him into the White House.” 

During the campaign, Obama stressed the importance of Afghanistan while in Berlin, telling Europeans, “This is the moment when we must renew our resolve to rout the terrorists who threaten our security in Afghanistan.”  Europeans are now waiting for President Obama to heed his own advice.