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Obama Sharpens Plan to Gauge Afghan Progress

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 8, 2009 7:20 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Hoping to allay fears over Afghanistan, President Obama plans to show Congress a new system for measuring US progress there—and holding people accountable when goals fall short, Politico reports. The complex set of indicators will measure nine objectives in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including "the proportion of the Afghan population that is now secured," one official says. Other objectives remain classified for now.

The Oval Office calls the matrix "the SIP"—or Strategic Implementation Plan—but officials say that it's ambitious enough to be called "GULP." "It is a bit of an unusual Washington document in the sense that it holds people accountable," another official says. "And then it says, 'Oh, by the way, we are going to review your progress.'" The plan will demand returns from the the intelligence community, State and Defense Departments, and other officials.

President Barack Obama smiles as he walks away from Marine One after arriving back on the South Lawn of The White House in Washington Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.
President Barack Obama smiles as he walks away from Marine One after arriving back on the South Lawn of The White House in Washington Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Barack Obama speaks at a Creigh Deeds for governor rally, Thursday, Aug. 6, in McLean, Va.
President Barack Obama speaks at a Creigh Deeds for governor rally, Thursday, Aug. 6, in McLean, Va.   (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
President Barack Obama speaks at a rally for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds in McLean, Va., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.
President Barack Obama speaks at a rally for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds in McLean, Va., Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 19 comments
cochiserocks
Aug 9, 2009 10:30 AM CDT
Whoever or whatever is running the asylum - Afghanistan is killing civilians and soldiers alike. The Taliban are seriously misguided individuals who genuinely believe they should be running the world according to the most inhumane and twisted agenda since the Spanish inquisition. Accountability in a theatre of war would seem like a good idea - especially given the Black Water/Iraq back story.
kokuaguy
Aug 9, 2009 7:00 AM CDT
Jayster, you would be right if Obama were not truly sui generis and a history maker of the first order. Like any President, he will really need two terms in which to forge lasting change. Therefore in his first time he cannot be reckless and adopt a "go for broke" strategy. He can bring fundamental change if he calls forth and leads a genuine progressive movement, and the potential for that is still there. If healthcare reform goes down in flames, I expect him to pick up that banner and lead a real crusade for change in the Congress and across the board. Only by building that sort of momentum will there be the possibility of making the truly difficult changes ( reducing climate change, nuclear disarmament, addressing world poverty and hunger.)
kokuaguy
Aug 9, 2009 6:51 AM CDT
Mahalo for that ... JayStar !!!

 
Afghanistan • Barack Obama • Pakistan • Afghanistan war

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