Americans Fed Up With Afghan War

The Obama administration is busy figuring out how to fine-tune its Afghan strategy while most Americans by and large just want us out of there. "A clash is coming," warns Bob Herbert. Most people are tired of the war, worried about the recession, and in no mood for yet another protracted conflict. "The difference between the public’s take on this war and that of the nation’s top civilian and military leadership is both stunning and ominous."

If the "armchair generals" are correct in how important this conflict is to the war on terrorism, then President Obama has to make a much stronger case to the public, Herbert writes in the New York Times. In fact, if our national security is truly at stake, this debate should trump health care. So make your case, Mr. President. "Otherwise, let’s explore creative alternatives to endless warfare and start bringing the weary troops home." (More Afghanistan stories.)