Afghanistan and Obama: Transparency, Credibility and a Long War - Anthony H. Cordesman, Center for Strategic and International Studies.
It has been over a year since President Obama announced the outline of a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and well over half a year since the appoint of General McChrystal and Ambassador Eikenberry has led to newefforts to define and implement that strategy in practical terms. However, the Obama Administration has yet to address most of the key issues that now shape the ability to implement that strategy.
The Administration has failed to address the most critical aspect of "strategic communications:" Providing the American people and the Congress with a clear picture of progress in the war, the broad structure of US plans, and some picture of the timelines involved and the future costs of the conflict. There has been no meaningful transparency, and the Administration's credibility depends almost exclusively on a leap of faith...
Much more at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.