Top U.S. General Predicts a Tough Year Ahead in Afghanistan

President Obama has decided to send more troops to Afghanistan to better get a grip on controlling terrorist elements in the country, but a top U.S. general predicts that 2009 will be a "touch year" in Afghanistan nonetheless. General David McKiernan, who commands both U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, noted, "Even with these additional forces, I have to tell you, 2009 is going to be a tough year. There are baseline problems of poverty, and literacy, and violence that have occurred over the last three decades in that country, so that’s not going to turn around quickly. But we do see, with these additional forces, an opportunity to break this stalemate, at least in terms of security conditions in the south."

Obama approved deployment of an additional 17,000 troops this week, but it’s clear from all military indications that the country’s problems are not the type to be fixed in a short period of time and even Russia – which fought a long war in the country in the 1970s and 80s - has warned the U.S. of how treacherous the country can be. McKiernan also noted that, "For the next three to four years, I think we’re going to need to stay heavily committed and sustain in a sustained manner in Afghanistan."

While McKiernan originally requested an additional 30,000 troops for the region, he did indicate that he looks forward to the 17,000 new troops arriving. He also said that he looked forward to "further contributions and commitment by the international community."