Obama's Trip: Substance or Drive-By?

Why is Barack Obama in Afghanistan ? Are politics that important ? That you have to put your life on the line, to prove to the world, or mostly the American public, that by visiting Afghanistan, you'll leave there with more knowledge of war and be a better Commander in Chief. C'mon... I find it a little reckless and disturbing that *Senator* Barack Obama has been egged on to travel to the Middle East and put his life and the future of America, in danger. petes2cents.com

Obama is in Afghanistan because politics is important indeed. Obama is not putting his life on the line by visiting Afghanistan. The location and circumstance of Obama's visit is probably less dangerous than a walk in some places in D.C. area. Senators running for presidents do have to travel to visit the sites of world's events.

I hope Obama is neutral when dealing with internation issues. all the best www.w3daily.com

"Mr Obama - who voted against the March 2003 war to topple Saddam Hussein" He was elected to the United States Senate in November of 2004, which means he took office in January of 2005.

I know that the Iraqi's wish to the American's to withdraw within 16 months, and Obama will do it. However what about the enemy, or rather enemies? Has Osama agreed to 16 months, what about the factions in Iraq? I'm sure if they all agree, it will be done. Without their trusted word that the fighting will end, this is all smoke and mirrors.

Obama goes ballistic above the clouds to avoid too many questions that he get no answer to give. He would like to reducing everything to his personal ambition and career

If Obama were elected, he would not retreat from Baghdad as fast as his rhetorics indicate. Obama would soon realize what the reality is like and pull forces back over a long period of time. All Americans who expect the troops to come home right away are dreamers. That is not the way politics and warfare work.

I think a visit to Baghdad is a step to the right direction. Obama must see for himself. Although Baghdad is very much different from the rest of the country, it is much better to experience Baghdad live than to contemplate about this distant place from the warmth of one's office. Obama should visit as many other Iraqi place as possible.

Situations change, and Bush is changing with them. Remember Japan in 1942. Remember Germany at the same time. Remember England in 1776. Bush may or may not be the brightest light on the block, but I believe he has the best interest of our country at stake. The same is true for Obama and McCain. Perhaps it is the Office of the President that makes it so. On the other hand, the members of Congress, (and Obama and McCain when they put their senatorial hats on), act in selfish, localized ways. They (meaning most all of Congress), are involved in getting money for their districts/states. We need two types of leadership: The press that asks good questions instead of spending their time digging up quotes from years ago and finding out "conflicts". Congress that looks out for our country as a whole. Congratulations to Obama for his "world" tour and to his success. Congratulations to McCain for proving that the future is not left only to the youth. Congratulations to Bush for recognizing that people(and countries) change.