Word: pointed
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...corrupt Afghan government, build up the so-far scattershot Afghan security apparatus, and refocus efforts on establishing a sustainable, non-narcotic agricultural base for the economy. He promised to begin removing troops in July of 2011, but offered no guidance about the pace of withdrawal or an end point for the war. "As President, I refuse to set goals that go beyond our responsibility, our means or our interests," he said, clearly defining none of those terms...
...though he did acknowledge that wars suck up lots of precious resources and promised to "work closely with Congress to address these costs." For the moment, he is content to do what he has done best - connect with his immediate audience. After the speech ended, he worked the West Point cadets like a campaign rope line, smiling for many a digital camera. The glad-handing won't help in Afghanistan, but it looked good on television, suggesting support from a military that will now be asked to sacrifice some more...
...dining room's talking point is an elaborate chandelier of glass bottles, but owners (and childhood friends) Artika Sulaiman and Nikhil Krishnan have also decorated the restored prewar colonial bungalow with family photos, antique typewriters and cookbooks, so the place feels more homely than palatial. Stargazers will love the terrific conservatory-like bar surrounded by a riot of foliage. Soak in the luxuriant scenery with a Polish Lemonade (Bison vodka, lemon, egg white and cinnamon) and tell yourself that while it's perfectly possible to have too much butter, you could make an exception for tonight...
...awaited strategy speech for Afghanistan, President Barack Obama clearly and forcibly repeated his objectives from his original plan in March - denying al-Qaeda a safe haven and reversing Taliban momentum. But he added one detail that stunned many Afghans. All this would be achieved within 18 months, at which point, it is assumed, the Afghan government would be able to stand on its own and the Afghan security forces - who are a far cry from the disciplined rows of uniformed cadets who faced Obama on Tuesday evening - would be able to take on the job of securing the battle-torn...
...Pakistani generals and politicians watching President Obama's West Point address applauded his sensitive tone and offers of additional support for their counterinsurgency efforts and fledgling democracy. But Obama's plan to dispatch 30,000 extra troops to the war next door has been greeted with ambivalence. While Obama's setting a date for the beginning of a withdrawal was welcomed, the element of the new strategy that has Pakistan's military sensing a long-awaited opportunity is the prospect of negotiations with the Taliban. (See pictures of the battle against the Taliban...