January 30th, 2009 by Jed

The Christian Science Monitor editorial board wonders how much President Obama is willing to invest to ensure democracy’s success in Afghanistan. While on the campaign trail President Obama spoke of his unswerving commitment to bolster the Afghan democracy, since that time administration officials have worked to lower expectations. Obama’s three pronged strategy includes a troop surge, putting pressure on European allies to commit more civilian aid, and appointing a special envoy to the region in Richard Holbrooke. The monitor suggests Obama’s success rests on his ability to form a clear timetable prior to the upcoming NATO meeting.

At Red State,  Warner Todd Huston explains how President Obama made a wise decision by backing off his campaign promise to engage Pakistan and India in regards to Kashmir. In doing so, Obama has bolstered ties with the Indian democracy which was weary of his campaign rhetoric.

The Wall Street Journal’s James Taranto comments on an article in the Guardian Daily which explains a letter the Obama administration plans to send to Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or release as an “open letter” to the Iranian people. While Taranto chides Obama’s campaign promises on Iran as naive, he believes the letter holds some merit, as it sidesteps the dangerous rhetoric of President Ahmadinejad. According to Taranto, the letter could serve to isolate the Iranian regime, however, he doubts the Obama administration will pull it off.

Posted in Afghanistan, Pakistan, US foreign policy |