President Trump's Speech about Afghanistan, Part 1

President Donald J. Trump delivered a television address tonight about military policy in Afghanistan.

Let us look at the historical context. Afghanistan had provided training sites for the Al Qaeda terrorists who attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. President George W. Bush ordered

Donald Trump, WH photo

United States military forces to attack Afghanistan for the purpose of neutralizing Al Qaeda. This was done bloodily but efficiently; however,  ultra right-wing Muslim fundamentalist groups under the Taliban banner offered consistent resistance to the democratic government that the United States installed. At no time did the American supported government control the entire country. Afghanistan has proven to be a tough battle: difficult mountainous terrain, harsh weather, and a determined enemy have all offered resistance, while allegations of corruption and incompetence in the American-supported government continue.

Setting: Ever the master of staging, Trump delivered the speech to an audience of service personnel at historic Joint Base Myer, formerly Fort Myer, in Northern Virginia. Joint Base Myer is adjacent to Arlington cemetery, which Trump mentioned during his speech.  (Our father, a WWII veteran, often took my brother and me to the old Fort Myer to see the sights.) A respectful crowd was guaranteed, and Trump usually responds well to a live audience.

President Trump approached the speech with diminished expectations. Recent events, including the violence in Charlottesville and Trump's inconsistent reaction to that violence, have caused many people to wonder whether he is up to the job. At the same time, history shows that there's nothing like a good war to divert attention from domestic problems. Let us look at what Trump proposed, and what persuasive methods he used.

Trump began by reviewing and complimenting the service members' contributions to the nation's freedom and security. (Praising the audience is always a good move.)

Black Hawk over Afghanistan, US Army photo

Responding to the recent domestic  controversies, Trump offered a call for unity: "When one citizen suffers an injustice, we all suffer together." He continued: "There is no room for prejudice, no place for bigotry, no room for hate." He transitioned to the War in Afghanistan, which he called the longest war in American history. He rejected the policy of rebuilding countries "in our own image," instead of making American security paramount. This reinforced his "America First" campaign theme.

A buildup in Afghanistan, however contradicted Trump's previous policies. He directly admitted that he had changed his mind after careful study. He reminded the audience that the terrorist attack in Barcelona showed terrorists' heartless evil. He called the enemy in Afghanistan "thugs," which was forceful, and "losers," which was classic Trump. Inappropriate, but it was the real him.

Afghanistan has been known as the place where empires go to die. First, he announced that instead of setting deadlines, the United States' policy would aim at goals. Consistent with his campaign statements, he emphasized surprise attacks. He acknowledged that a political settlement might include Taliban elements, which is a dramatic policy option. Second, rejecting nation-building, he said that the United States would not impose a government on Afghanistan. Third, he promised to provide the military with the resources they needed. He offered veiled criticism of Obama administration policies. Trump also addressed partnership with Pakistan, who he accused of harboring terrorists. This was much bolder and riskier than it appears, as Pakistan is geographically necessary for the war in Afghanistan.

Trump was at his best, speaking with energy and emphasis, pausing appropriately, never raising his voice, and gesturing with a sense of style.

Were Trump's policies realistic? I am no foreign policy expert, but time will tell. His proposed plans were multi-faceted, and involved many changes other than troops. They were also very vague. The proof could be in the details.

Was Trump presidential? We always have to ask! He hasn't been consistent! The Afghanistan speech was tough in tone, and belligerent at times, but much more in line with the image that the United States expects a conservative president to project. One impressive aspect is that he admitted that he had changed his mind as a result of careful study and consultation. Since he is often accused of being rigid and uninformed, this seemed like a big step.

I'll post a follow-up after we see some reactions. Stay tuned!

Here it is: Trump's Afghanistan Speech, Part 2