Even though Pakistan has said they have no plans for an offensive in Waziristan it looks like they may be gearing up for one anyways. If Pakistan continues to sweep the frontier provinces and head into Waziristan and we have the manpower to maintain the cities and outposts then the Taliban will have nowhere to run and hide anymore. They will be pinched between the American/Afghani forces on one side and the Pakistani military on the other. If we do leave then the Taliban will simply run back to Afghanistan full force leaving the frontier provinces for the Pakistanis - nothing will be accomplished.

While I disagree with you rhetoric about Obama he will have to make a decision soon and it better be the right one (in my opinion, give Gen. McChrystal what he wants) or he will definitely come across as ineffective and he can probably kiss all the independents who voted for him goodbye for sure.

I do disagree that Gen. McChrystal's opinion is the only one that counts. He is one General and what the Pentagon and the State Department has to say matters too along with what NATO has to say considering all the hard work they have put into Afghanistan as well. Obama met with the head of NATO and I am sure he is now meeting with the rest of those whose opinion's matter. I'll personally give him another week or two (two at the most) to take all the intelligence in and say yea or nay before I judge, but I do believe time is running out and he will have to prove himself.

BTW, I have said nothing of my plans here on this site but I am physically training right now to join the army early next year. I fully plan on being deployed once training is over most likely to Afghanistan. Even though I hold some socially liberal views and have mixed feelings on economics, I fully support this war and am more than willing to go die for my country for this cause. I fully support the troop increase and am totally against leaving Afghanistan. To leave Afghanistan would be disastrous.