President George W. Bush called the battle against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan critical to our short and long-term national security.

President Barack Obama called the battle against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan critical to our short and long-term national security.

In 2008, Bush recommended a surge in troop levels in Afghanistan to try to turn the situation on the ground there around, much as a similar surge in Iraq had done.

In 2009, Obama approved that surge plan.

In 2007 and beyond, Bush relied on the military brilliance, counterinsurgency expertise, political acumen, and emotional intelligence of General David Petraeus.

In 2010, Obama is relying on the military brilliance, counterinsurgency expertise, political acumen, and emotional intelligence of General David Petraeus.

Bush adopted an “all-in” strategy.

Obama adopted an “all-in” strategy.

“Change” looks more and more like “back to the future.” Bush was right. Again.  And again.  And again.

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