Thread: HUNTSMAN vs OBAMA on Afghanistan Policy

Associated Press Bradley Klapper, Associated Press – 1 hr 56 mins ago
WASHINGTON – Potential GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman is suggesting a faster timetable for pulling U.S. troops from Afghanistan than the one laid out by President Barack Obama
Huntsman questions Obama's Afghanistan policy - Yahoo! News
Obama plans to bring home next month the first batch of about 100,000 American servicemen currently in Afghanistan, with all combat troops leaving by 2014.

Huntsman, a former Utah governor who was Obama's ambassador to China, thinks that may not be fast enough because of the financial cost of the war and because of waning public support.
"When you look at Afghanistan, can we hang out until 2014 and beyond?" Huntsman asked. "You can, if you're willing to pay another quarter of a trillion dollars to do so."
In an interview aired Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union," he questioned whether the battle against the Taliban and other anti-government insurgents served U.S. national interests any longer.

"If it isn't in our direct national security interest and if there isn't a logical exit strategy and if we don't know what the cost is going to be in terms of money and human lives, then I think you have to say it's probably time we re-evaluate this," Huntsman said. He said continued U.S. engagement required that a "strong argument" be made to the American people.

But asked specifically if he would take American troops out sooner than 2014, Huntsman hedged.
"My hunch is the American people want to be out of there as quickly as we can get it done," he said. But, he added: "You're going to have to leave behind some presence, probably not 100,000 or 120,000 troops, but some presence."

If Huntsman's comments failed to outline a stark contrast in foreign policy philosophy with Obama, they pointed to an essential challenge for his nascent campaign.

"I think foreign policy and national security experience will be in great demand in years to come," he said. "The citizens of this country are going to be very interested in a president who understands the world for what it is. It's complex, it's confusing, it is uncertain and it's not going to get any better in the years to come."

Huntsman said he would likely make the final decision on running for president in about 10 days. He said most of the boxes are checked: a supportive family, confidence in raising the necessary campaign funds, a strong presence in the early primary states of New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida.

He said he wasn't afraid to defend other positions on issues such as climate change and civil unions.

Looks Like Huntsman will run.....once he declares, the GOP will have a formidable opponent. Obama will not be able to go intellectual on this guy. Moreover, Huntsman is also a Mormon, and former Governor. But highly intelligent, plus I think speaking two or 3 Chinese dialects and having to deal with some of the trickest politicians on the planet. Puts him in the Driver seat over Romney and Mr. Good-Pawlenty

One Last last thing does those on the left have anything to say about Lady Rothschild who is supporting Huntsman.(meaning she is funding him) But supported Obama and Clinton last time round. Hunstman will be center right but as far as Afghanistan is concerned I doubt he would Change The Course either. Thoughts?

Huntsman is hardly viable. We already have one former Mormon Governor, and AT LEAST he aint directly serve under Obama.

Originally Posted by (R)IGHTeous 1

Huntsman is hardly viable. We already have one former Mormon Governor, and AT LEAST he aint directly serve under Obama.

Well he had no Choice as he was serving as Chinese Ambassador Under Bush.....but he did resign once Obama had the reins. Bush appointed him. Not to mention he is a Neo-Con.

I agree with Hunstman's Afghanistan views.....if related accurately above. I hope & believe so will President Obama.