In the News: Sep-28

Obama team clears 75 at Guantanamo for release - 28 Sep 2009 at 2:33pm - MIAMI (Reuters) - An Obama administration task force has so far cleared 75 of the remaining 223 Guantanamo prisoners for release as part of its effort to close the detention camp, a military spokesman said on Monday.

Joint Chiefs chairman seeks brain-injury limit - 28 Sep 2009 at 9:34am - U.S. servicemembers who suffer up to three mild traumatic brain injuries or concussions during a deployment — typically from roadside bombs — could be pulled out of combat for the duration of their tour, according to a policy being pushed by Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mullen has spoken out more in the last year about the risks of mild TBI caused by roadside bombs, often invoking a story of a young soldier who endured 30 blasts and is now suffering significant brain damage.

U.S. commander offers troop options for Afghanistan - 28 Sep 2009 at 3:47am - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan planned to offer options for policymakers to try to stem Taliban gains, including sending up to 30,000 to 40,000 additional combat troops and trainers, according to defense and congressional officials.

Again -- McChrystal has said that without more troops, NATO forces will likely fail in Afghanistan. First, and most important, what is his operating definition of "success"? Also, if he cannot get more troops, what is his estimate of the probability of success: 40%? 20%? If he does get the 40,000 troops he's requesting, what will be his estimate: 90%? 45%? 20%? There will have to be more to this decision than "If you're against a troop buildup, you're for failure."