Santorum: Commit to winning Afghanistan or get out (Joins Newt's call)

Boston Globe ^ | March 18, 2012 | AP

[Cincinatus' Wife]

WASHINGTON—Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum says the United States should either commit to winning the war in Afghanistan or "get out."

Santorum tells ABC's "This Week" that he agrees with rival Newt Gingrich that a commitment to "winning" means recognizing the U.S. will stay in Afghanistan "to finish the job."

[P-Marlowe]

The only path to “victory” in Afghanistan would be to convert them all to Christianity. As long as they remain a majority Muslim country there is no hope for any kind of victory.

For these people going to Hell will be an improvement in their living condition. And that is where most of them are headed.

[thatjoeguy]

I would disagree, it didn’t work with Reagan/Bush it wont work with Gingrich/Santorum either.

Although the nation would be in a better spot and probably last me through my life time. Then it’s up to the next gen to find their Reagan/Gingrich tag team.
JB

[Sola Veritas]

“What the F**k does “winning” and “finish the job” mean in that 9th century Islamic hell hole????????”

(1) Totally destroying the Taliban in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Or any other militant Islamic group.

(2) Establish true religious liberty in the country so that radical Islamists can no longer hold sway.

(3) Dismantle the Karzai government and establish one that is not corrupt and friendly to the U.S. and West. A solid Afghan military that doesn’t need outside help to suppress radicals and maintain peace. No more rogue Islamic countries that are safe havens to radical groups.

IF those aren’t our goals, then we may as well retreat in shame.

[Yorlik803]

As much as I dont really like Newt, he makes sense. And with Rick as VP,maybe it would work.
Too bad thier egos wont allow it. But It would be a good ticket anyways.

[Sola Veritas]

“The only path to “victory” in Afghanistan would be to convert them all to Christianity.”

This isn’t doable. However, establishing “Freedom of Religion” where Islam isn’t in control is doable. Conversion to Christianity has to be a personal thing. It cannot be forced. However, an environment where it is safe to be Christian would be a step in the right direction.

[mel]

Back when Bush was in office people had those get out of ...Iraq or Afghanistan, odd how i don’t see them anymore.
i want one. now though

[P-Marlowe]

Conversion to Christianity has to be a personal thing. It cannot be forced.

FWIW, the Conquistadors did it in South America.

[Servant of the Cross]

Worse Than A Powder Keg (the conservative case for getting out of Afghanistan now)

As usual, Rick is late to the game on the critical issues of the day ... and the campaign.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

“ME TOO! ME TOO! Santorum. And somehow, Santo will try to take credit for that too.

[Servant of the Cross]

Just saw post #10 now. You were already on the same page!

[MD Expat in PA]

“I say we take off and nuke the site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.”

Then I’ve been saying that since 9-11.

[Mariner]

The very LAST thing anyone who is putting America first would do is "Finish the Job".

Somebody needs to ask this guy just what he means by that.

Of course he does not know. Nobody knows.

We have no interest or business in Afghanistan unless we intend to invade Iran from there...unlikely as Afghanistan has no opening to the sea.

We should have pulled out of there in late 2002. All the spilt blood of patriots since has been wasted.

Bush and Obama share responsibility for this disaster.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

How Santo ever got this far is absolutely mind boggling. There is no logical explanation for it!

[trebb]

Santorum has also co-opted Newt’s term for Romney, “Massachusetts Moderate.”

Yep - all of the good stuff Santorum comes out with has already been said by Newt and with more clarity. Rick started aping Newt just before he started winning primaries/caucuses and knows that if he does this it makes him sound like a winner. He could learn a lot at Newt's knee.

[duffee]

I believe Newt can win in November, He is the one causing obama problems now with gas prices, Newt is the only one obama is responding to and obama is dropping in the polls. Newt has the solutions to our problems and is able to articulate the problem and solution where all can understand it. Newt can speak to the people and generate an enthusiasm. I believe Newt can overcome the Romney / Paul negativity and I don’t believe the obama negativity will register. If Newt can’t beat obama we won’t have a candidate who can. We have one extrodinary individual available that can see us through these times, others will only postpone the inevitable if they were to get elected.

[b9]

CW, funny how these candidates want Newt to withdraw.
If he did, how would they know what to say?

So true!

[b9]

Yep - all of the good stuff Santorum comes out with has already been said by Newt and with more clarity.

Fo shizzle.

[Servant of the Cross]

The only explanation I can come up with is 'we' are the "American Idol Elects A President" generation. It is about appearances, feelings, emotion and MSM-driven 'conventional wisdom'. Intellect and reason does not appear to be a big part of the equation.

[Einherjar]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s1MspmfEwg

and leave it a smoldering crater.