On the same day that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates revealed America's plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan by 2014, a poll taken by firm Rasmussen reveals that the majority of Americans want troops withdrawn within a year. In contrast, in September of 2010, only 43% of poll-takers wanted troops withdrawn within a year. In fact, today Secretary Gates said that US forces should remain in Afghanistan even after the 2014 date, "in the interest of the security of Afghan people", Gates said. The Democrats heavily favor bringing the troops home within one year (73%) while the Republicans marginally favor such a timetable (37%). However, Republican support is up by 13% from six months ago until today. Moreover, another finding of the poll is that 41% of Americans are not sure if the peace-building mission has been a success. This skepticism reveals the public's frustration at the nature of the war. The conflict in Afghanistan has become one of attrition, where the Taliban insurgency is wearing the American troops down and vice versa. However, there is still an ominous threat that once America withdraws its troops, the Taliban will regain full force once again. Therefore, America must make sure that there is a strong ANA (Afghan National Army) in place before western troops are withdrawn. Perhaps the ultimate measure of American success will be when Afghanistan can defend itself from regional aggressors, such as Pakistan. In fact, Afghan stability is being maintained by the strong international presence in the country. When America leaves, Afghanistan must be able to maintain such security using organic forces. As the phrase goes, "hindsight is 2020". In other words, looking back on the conflict, the American public can see how futile the whole process has been. Osama bin Laden has not been caught and not all corners of Afghanistan are yet under democratic control. In contrast, when Bush initiated the Afghan War, there was support for the current conflict. This fact just goes to show the power of the circumstances, in which patriotism and American as a good force of change in the globe played a large part in the ratification of the Afghan War. Is there a way to remain distanced from the emotional pull of a certain decision? The question remains to be answered as the government will be put under increasing pressure by the public to withdraw troops. Moreover, where will the desire for reelection play into policymakers' desires to placate a clamoring public? With presidential elections around the bend in 2012, perhaps Obama can make one last push to stay in office with a swift withdrawal of troops.

Thanks,
Nikhil