So far, the fighting still rages on in both Afghanistan and Iraq. However, a bit more attention has been focused on Afghanistan as of late. While the Iraq War is already a major problem, let alone one for US President-Elect Barack Obama, the Afghanistan War continues to be extremely problematic. Once Obama takes office on January 20, he will inherit both wars.
Ever since the brutal Mumbai Massacre in Mumbai, India that took place on late-November of 2008, relations between Pakistan and India have been frosty. At the same time, tensions between both countries have heated up and sweltered. In preparation, Pakistan had started shifting troops to the Indian border. In turn, it hurts Pakistan’s efforts of fighting against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda on the Afghan border.
It is believed that Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden is hiding in northwest Pakistan or somewhere in the border between both countries.
As Pakistan shifts its troops, it makes it difficult for US and coalition troops on the Afghan side of the border. So far, there are talks about a possible spike of United States Special Forces to be deployed in Afghanistan. They will be charged with the task of training Afghanistan’s security forces.
That plan could be altered once Obama takes office.
As for those fighting in Afghanistan right now, there have been complaints from them. So far, the US Marine Corps has complaints about their current body armor. They want body armor that provides improved comfort, mobility, and safety. Their current flak jackets were not cutting it.
General James Conway, the Marine Commandant, agrees with the assessment.
“I’ve worn the vest on my travels into Iraq and Afghanistan, and I can tell you those Marines have raised some valid points,” Conway explained.
Overall, this will be something that the Department of Defense under the Obama administration will face. One question should be asked: How will the Obama administration tackle that dilemma?