Obama on Afghanistan: This is a war of necessity

In a speech that comes two days before Afghanistan prepares for a Presidential election, United States President Barack Obama warned for tougher days and a bloody period ahead.

Pres. Obama urged 5,000 veterans in Afghanistan to be prepared for a tougher and bloodier period ahead as the United States is in its eighth year however, the President believes that this war is "fundamental to the defense of our people." The 35-minute speech was amongst a group, Veterans of Foreign Wars, that had reservations regarding Obama's war policy, according to The Washington Times, "As I said when I announced this strategy, there will be more difficult days ahead. The insurgency in Afghanistan didn't just happen overnight, and we won't defeat it overnight. This will not be quick. This will not be easy." Currently, Afghanistan holds 62,000 troops, including 21,000 military personnel part of the surge strategy. Throughout the speech, Obama prepared forces in Afghanistan for a longer time in Afghanistan, "These new efforts have not been without a price. The fighting has been fierce. More Americans have given their lives." Afghanistan's election will be held on Thursday, and polls show that the current President Hamid Karzai will win reelection however, Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah has been gaining in the polls and could deny Karzai winning the Presidency. Throughout the speech, Obama tried to make distinct differences between the war in Afghanistan and the war currently being fought in Iraq, "The war in Afghanistan will be based on good intelligence and guided by a sound strategy . . . I will give you a clear mission, defined goals, and the equipment and support you need to get the job done." The President concluded, "We must never forget. This is not a war of choice. This is a war of necessity. . . . This is not only a war worth fighting, it is fundamental to the defense of our people." Nevertheless, the war in Afghanistan is losing support among the general public. Last week, British forces saw its death toll rise to 201. A poll in July shows that majority of Britons believe the war in Afghanistan is unwinnable and 52 per cent of them want their soldiers out of the region. Another June poll shows that 61 per cent of Germans want to be out of Afghanistan. Currently, 4,000 German soldiers are part of the United States and NATO efforts in the region.