“On the bottom line question - yes or no on McChrystal’s request - Kerry says no. He argues that McChrystal reaches ‘too far, too fast.’ Kerry recommends that further troop increases must meet three conditions: reliable Afghan troops to partner with American forces, local political leaders, and civilian advisers to speed development. Truth be told, none of these three will be in place soon.”

Belfer Center Director Graham Allison wrote “In Afghanistan, Kerry Keeps US Goals Modest,” which the Boston Globe published on November 4, 2009.

For the full oped, go to: http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/19673/

“The resiliency of the Taliban insurgency has led Gen. Stanley McChrystal to declare the situation in Afghanistan ‘serious,’ and his review of the ongoing campaign there has created the distinct possibility of a larger deployment of American forces. But if Obama is skeptical, or even pessimistic, about the chances of the AfPak plan’s success, history shows he is unlikely to significantly alter course. If the president is unsure of what impact withdrawing from Afghanistan would have on national security, he is probably more certain that such a policy shift would be disastrous for his ambitious domestic agenda.”

Aaron Rapport, a research fellow with the Belfer Center’s International Security Program, wrote “Whatever He Decides, Afghanistan Will Hurt Obama,” which Providence Journal published on October 9, 2009.

For the full oped, go to: http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/publication/19615/