66% trust generals...

A poll of independent voters found that 66% responded that they trust the generals over obama. 

Independent voters opinion is perhaps growingly important as the two camps red and blue are becoming more entrenched while the margin in the middle occupied by other parties is widening slighlty.

I think there are some misconceptions on that statistic. The response from the public is not very telling because the question can mean different things depending on its context and responders can mean different things or are sometimes not exactly sure what they mean. 

This example of questionable utility of polls for some questions is frequent and can also lead sometimes to the de-routing of statistical interpretations down the road.

Let's clarify what they could be saying, or what they are trying to say.

The generals should be trusted when they tell you if something can or cannot be done, they should be trusted they need such and such if we are to accomplish such and such. But, the war aims are to be determined by the civilian executive and are subject to change throughout a conflict. 

More on McCrystal and 40,000 troops. McCrystal is a superhuman soldier and his personal recommendations are to be headed when corroborated by other generals over what he needs to execute the desired strategy. The desired strategy was to move in and control more territory in souther afghanistan as of the last strategic review dating back to june 2009. 

Today, half a year later and facing a crossroad, Obama needs a long term strategy and also a plan of action for the next 6 months. 

(Which is: Over the long term: hand over control of regions to Afghani Cent Gov to disengage from the local conflict and get them to fight the insurgency; establish and lockdown the border in 100% partnership with Pakistan; remain opportunistic to destroy in direct operations identified enemy forces - preferably fundamentalists who have a national agenda against A or P, or an international one against us only; support, enhance and train the Cent Gov army whenever and wherever; and finally, protect our troops and reduce our costs. The short term strategy is to seek for opportunities with the current Pakistani military efforts on their side of the border. Perhaps this will give rise to changes on our side of the border and we must be ready to meet them. This could be such a good opportunity that the Taliban could stand to be defeated rather swiftly having no territory to remain on in any kind of numbers.)

The military is always subordinated to the civilian. The good carrying of a war depends on the coordination and the clear communication of aims and means.

Comments

[ken]

your solution on afghanistan will not work,its been tried again and again,we with the help of the afghan gov. need to get control over these terrorists then slowly move our troops out.as far as the obamanation coming to a good answer,is this the same obamanation that listens to marxists on how to fix the free enterprise system.

[Carrie]

Ken, you seem upset.  Here... smell my fingers.  Amen.