Obama Goes to War; Are 60,000 of 80,000 Afghan Troops Potheads?

Posted on 03/27/2009 by Juan

Part I of President Barack Obama’s major policy speech on Afghanistan, Pakistan and al-Qaeda on Friday, 3/27:

And Part II:

Full text of prepared remarks available here.

A Guardian Television report suggests that 75% of the 80,000 Afghan army troops are regular marijuana users. Many are alleged to be village juvenile delinquents who were kicked out. Discipline and tactical know-how is limited. They are facing old-time guerrillas like the Hizb-i Islami of Gulbadin Hikmatyar.

Will 4,000 additional US trainers, promised by President Obama on Friday, be enough?

For background, see Chapter Six of


Engaging the Muslim World

End/ (Not Continued)

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  • Juan Cole

    Juan Cole

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