Barack Obama quietly extends the war in Afghanistan

 Back in May in the Rose Garden, and to much fanfare, Barack Obama announced that he was ending the war in Afghanistan at the close of 2014. He told the American people that there would be some troops left behind which were going to be used to train Afghans, but combat missions were over.

  Then, during a surprise visit to Afghanistan, he assured the troops the war was ending and he even went on to say this:

He cited progress in Afghanistan, adding, “I will be honest with you, it has gone better than I might have expected a year ago.”

  Finally after six years in office the President was able to make good on this campaign promise. But that was then and this is now. Things are apparently not going better than he expected any longer, as he stated above, because the New York Times is reporting that Barack Obama has quietly reversed his decision and the combat mission will be extended through 2015. What happens then, well that is anyone’s guess.

President Obama decided in recent weeks to authorize a more expansive mission for the military in Afghanistan in 2015 than originally planned, a move that ensures American troops will have a direct role in fighting in the war-ravaged country for at least another year.

Mr. Obama’s order allows American forces to carry out missions against the Taliban and other militant groups threatening American troops or the Afghan government, a broader mission than the president described to the public earlier this year, according to several administration, military and congressional officials with knowledge of the decision.

In effect, Mr. Obama’s decision largely extends much of the current American military role for another year. Mr. Obama and his aides were forced to make a decision because the 13-year old mission, Operation Enduring Freedom, is set to end on Dec. 31.

  So while the original announcement was made to much fanfare, and much publicity,  this story comes out on a Friday, and not just any Friday mind you  but the Friday after Barack Obama’s big immigration reform/amnesty proclamation when all eyes were focused elsewhere.

  You would think that an announcement such as this is something that should be broadcast to the American people in a speech but of course Barack Obama is trying to keep up the appearance that he has ended the war when he has not. Another deception on the American people, say one thing publicly but do another when nobody is paying attention.

  And he will get away with keeping up this charade too because when you think about it when was the last time you heard the mainstream media even mention the war in Afghanistan? I would guess it was at that Rose Garden speech when the President said he was ending it.