Obama Looking For Image Makeover

It's not just the Gulf disaster either.

The general impression conveyed in Afghanistan is that of discord and clearly divergent views. This siege within is particularly damaging to Obama since the cohesion of the US political and military strategy has come under serious scrutiny and doubt. McChrystal's fate will have repercussions for the war 'strategy' such as it is.

Besides, Britain’s envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Sherard Cowper-Coles has reportedly gone on extended leave over disagreement with US and NATO officials over the strategy to deal with insurgency. With at least 10,000 troops in Afghanistan, Britain has already suffered losses of over 300 soldiers since 2001. While the new British government has reiterated its commitment to the war it is likely to face serious hurdles with military operations entering a decisive phase. Mounting NATO casualties in Afghanistan have cast a shadow over an already dismal situation. While these figures pale in comparison to civilian casualties, ironically they will have a bigger impact on the war. Every new fatality spells doom for the US-led coalition even as Washington strives for a larger military commitment from its European allies. Furthermore, it creates inherent pressure on the domestic front with mounting public opposition to a war still not owned as necessary. With the US strategy heavily inclined towards boosting number of forces to turn the tide of the insurgency, disagreements abound. The Obama administration appears in a haste to transfer responsibility and control to Afghan forces. However, it overlooks the inherent weaknesses within the Afghan military administration and balancing the ethnic composition of the army including officer rank. Not only is that a serious issue, the operational capability of the national forces remains a major issue as does the distribution of weapons, corruption and power struggle within the military and political circles.