CIA Director Panetta: ‘There May Be Less Than 100 Al Qaeda in Afghanistan’

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by Glynnis MacNicol | 11:59 am, June 27th, 2010

» 44 comments

Can this be true? This morning on This Week CIA director Leon Panetta told Jake Tapper that there were less than 100 Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Less than 100.

“I think the estimate on the number of Al Qaeda is actually relatively small,” Panetta said. “At most, we’re looking at 50 to 100, maybe less. It’s in that vicinity. There’s no question that the main location of Al Qaeda is in the tribal areas of Pakistan.”

If Panetta is disclosing it on national television it must be true, though the number seems shockingly low. Especially considering the rising Afghanistan death toll.

As the NYT‘s Brian Stelter points out perhaps this goes back to the quote in the McChrystal Rolling Stone piece that if Americans “started paying attention to this war, it would become even less popular.” The country is certainly paying attention this week. It’s also the sort of information that begs two questions, which will likely be hashed out on the morning shows this week: Why hasn’t this been reported before and frequently? And if the main location of Al Qaeda is Pakistan why are we in Afghanistan? Watch below.

Afghanistan, barack obama, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Jake Tapper, Leon Panetta, This Week

timzank

From above: ” And if the main location of Al Qaeda is Pakistan why are we in Afghanistan?”

Uhhh, because that’s where Barry has said we should be ever since his first campaign speech. Obama owns it.
felixw

Maybe there are only 100 Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, but just 1 Rolling Stone reporter was enough to thwart our military commander there.
timzank

Remember, Obama campaigned on Afghanistan being the RIGHT war, so as all this begins to swirl around the bowl, it’s his baby.

Where the hell is code pink anyway? Oh that’s right, stocking flotilla boats for terrorists, my bad.
shootfromthehip

Not only could it be true, it likely is true.

Get us the hell out of Afghanistan and insert in 500 CIA spies and have backup special ops forces nearby. Same goes for Iraq. Stop the military industrial complex bilking the taxpayers blind.

We don’t need 100,000 + troops.

These wars have both been more about making defense industry contractors rich than anything else the past 4 years.
Ted

Felix – Nope, the General screwed himself. If you knew anything at all about the military code of conduct you would know better than to blame a reporter. Nice try though.
jimw1016

Ummm….TimZank…looking back, I believe Bush started the Afghan conflict and as evidenced in past wars such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Viet Nam, Korea, etc. (I personally attended Viet Nam, did you?), wars are extremely difficult to walk away from. You fools need to stop politicizing, wake up and begin the process of removing POLITICS from our lives. Republicans vs. Democrats ain’t working and only WE can make the changes. Supporting either party perpetuates the mess we live daily. Shootfromthehip is right on, with our politicized governmental control, which is managed by the Big Businesses of our world, wars, recession and so on are planned and are profit centers for companies like Haliburton and other defense contractors. Obama centralized the war efforts on Afghanistan and so if Panetta knows what he’s talking about it worked. wake up fool! I am NOT an Obama supporter, but he’s dome a hell of a lot more that Alfred E. Bush did in 8 years.
jimw1016

You’re exactly right Ted. McChrystal used the a bodily function which is supported by our brain, his mouth and he didn’t think first. Above all, a General should be constantly aware of the military Code of Conduct, it is his job to maintain the enforcement of same. He opened his mouth and crossed the line and deserved whatever actions presented on his behalf. Don’t worry about the General, one of the Beltway Bandits will hire him for huge money due to his Pentagon connections.
jimw1016

In my opinion, it now OFF to PAKISTAN to eradicate these vermin and put an end to this bullshit. At least the current administration has made this war an offensive effort rather than a defensive war which cannot be won, Google Viet Nam. Lose you party affiliations people…wake up. It’s time for government… OF the people…By the people…FOR the people once again. If we support party lines we are just going to get worse. Remove big business from government. It’s time they pay and are made to conform to the laws that have been put in place and are just ignored due to pay offs and bribery. Google BPO and MMS. This scenario runs rampant in ALL governments…Local, State and Federal. If you buy Limbaugh’s bullshit you’re a Republican and a part of the downfall of the US. If you remember, Limbaugh openly stated he wished Obama would fail!!! How can one wish our government would fail? How can our President failing make ANYTHING better, except for the opposing party at re-election time? Limbaugh, Glen Beck, the idiot Palin and the rest are a detriment to our well being and in my opinion, if you support them you support the collapse of our country.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bill-Adkins/1585417987 Bill Adkins

McChrystal’s rules of engagement now prevent our military from taking on the Taliban. That’s ‘military genius?” http://www.sfexaminer.com/world/afghanistans-government-reports-explosion-in-the-capital-near-embassies-offices-97213909.html http://www.sfexaminer.com/world/afghanistans-government-reports-explosion-in-the-capital-near-embassies-offices-97213909.html

As for Afghanistan, any opportunity we had to take out the Taliban was squandered by President Clusterfuck W. Bush when he Blundered into Iraq and let the Taliban come back to overshadow AQ. Karzai is the Afghan equivalent of Vietnam’s Thieu, a corrupt figurehead who, when we leave, will leave Afghanistan with a fortune.
ConLoonPatrol

For those who are ignorant on the topic:

1) Bush put us in Afghanistan, not Obama

2) Originally there was a unofficial deal with Karzai- US helps get rid of al Qaeda and Karzai/Afghan troops would help deal with the Taliban

3) Pakistan has nukes, real nukes, and their government control is on the verge of collapse. For whatever reason, it was / is felt that before we can move into Pakistan to secure their gov, we need to go in through Afghanistan first for a variety of reasons.. extremely untamed gov, landscape etc..

So don’t completely blame this war on Obama, Bush sent us there and spent 8 yrs ignoring our troops there while he put almost all his effort in the cheneyoilwar in Iraq.
tiredofbs

jimw1016 says:
June 27, 2010 at 1:48 pm jimw1016(Quote)

In my opinion, it now OFF to PAKISTAN to eradicate these vermin and put an end to this bullshit. At least the current administration has made this war an offensive effort rather than a defensive war which cannot be won, Google Viet Nam. Lose you party affiliations people…wake up. It’s time for government…
OF the people…By the people…FOR the people once again. If we support party lines we are just going to get worse.**** Remove big business from government. It’s time they pay and are made to conform to the laws that have been put in place and are just ignored due to pay offs and bribery*********
. Google BPO and MMS. This scenario runs rampant in ALL governments…Local, State and Federal. If you buy Limbaugh’s bullshit you’re a Republican and a part of the downfall of the US.******* If you remember, Limbaugh openly stated he wished Obama would fail!!! How can one wish our government would fail?******* How can our President failing make ANYTHING better, except for the opposing party at re-election time? Limbaugh, Glen Beck, the idiot Palin and the rest are a detriment to our well being and in my opinion, if you support them you support the collapse of our country.
=======================================

What a crock chuck full of crap!
Historically, the far left has always tried* to screw the USA
>gotten the useful idiots tittle,
it is no different now.

We will not allow it, of course… As before we will stop u…

Nice try tho, w/the usual propaganda attempt above, you forget tho,
people are awake these days, & see a Chavez/Castro/old Soviet /nazi type
trained BSArtist when they hear/read them.

The sole responsibility for the bankruptcy of this Great Nation, goes square in the lap
of Left Wing radical
thugs l ike yourself, The radical infiltrated Left Wing Media, Soros et all…

If Alinsky was alive, (your idol on turn speak) he would say They’re on to us,
stop the reverse psychology crap & get a new jig.

When a lefty throws out hyperbole & accusations, u can bet 5will get u 10
he is guilty of the exact thing he is accusing…

Not a breathing Patriotic American left anywhere that doesn’t know The Right
never compromises ANY part of Freedom, this great country or our Sovereignty.
And that includes our Mighty Military.
timzank

jimw1016..

It would appear as though exposure to agent orange has eaten away any gray matter that at one time was lodged within your very very thick skull.
BR

So don’t completely blame this war on Obama, Bush sent us there and spent 8 yrs ignoring our troops there while he put almost all his effort in the cheneyoilwar in Iraq.
———————————————————————————————————————————————-

Con: I agree with you, but you still have to remember that Obama campaigned (in part) on Afghanistan being the “right” war to fight.
jimw1016

LMFAO…to TIm and tired…can either of you Republicans spell Chaney-Haliburton? I’m not a Demo.or Repub. Can you state the same? I’m blaming this bullshit on the politicization of our world. Continue supporting the Republicans and as most of us have said on record, and you get what you ask for. The Bushes (Republicans I might add), put us in these wars and what did he OR his father accomplish on getting us involved either time? At least my grey matter is operational Tim, what happened to yours? My comments were not in support of either party in fact the current governmental system needs to be abolished. Question? Can either of you fools name one department of the Local, State or Federal government that isn’t broken? Take your time, I’ll wait.
tiredofbs

ConLoonPatrol

For those who are ignorant on the topic:

1) Bush put us in Afghanistan, not Obama

-============================

Hahahahaha – Lessons from the f’n Left Wing world-whackadoos….
Hahahahthat’s richhhh

Yes Bush did take us to Afgh’n. Your Messiah is CIC now.
2 years later,, For Christ’s sake
can u brainless morons
cut the umbilical cord already?

Even infants walk alone at 1 year old.
Your ( Bush did it) BS is so old, it’s nauseatingly amateur & nauseating.
jimw1016

War means profits for BIG BUSINESS. BIG BUSINESS pays off out politicians and therefore is in control of our government. If either of you deny that you are more stupid than you appear posting here. I lived and worked in the Wash, DC area for eight years and have seen this bullshit first hand. Wake up foolish Republicans!!!
jimw1016

Spoken like a true Rebublican, you sound just like the fat ass Limbaugh spewing Republican garbage. I don’t support any party. I want and demand action, fiscal accountability and term limits. Do you? We aren’t getting it. Where the hell is all the money going? Do you care?
jimw1016

Obama is not my messiah but he’s stirred the pot and made some things happen, your lame assed presidents have done what? Help me out.
jimw1016

I denounce our governance…period!
jimw1016

Did you read this article? If true, which I doubt, less than 100 Taliban in Afghanistan? If true, that sounds like an improvement to me. Or did you just come here to piss and moan about Obama’s administration and the lack of repairing the damages Bush created? Neither party is worth the gunpowder to blow them up, if possible. Thieves and liars with the exception of a very small handful and you support this mess? WOW…I AM impressed!! Then you politicize your bitching. Go play with your pee pee, do something more useful than bitching here.
tiredofbs

but he’s stirred the pot and made some things happen,

I don’t support any party.
===============================

You obviously do support “A PARTY” but too ashamed to admit the name. As usual,, telling.

Just that hypocrisy alone loses all credibility for *your people*
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bill-Adkins/1585417987 Bill Adkins

The greatest threat against America and the American dream today is presented by the Republican Party and their allies.
stevor

He’s a buffoon. He can’t even speak proper English. He ought to have said, “There are FEWER than 100 al Qaeda in Afghanistan”.
jimw1016

As I have stated on numerous occasions, I’m neither Republican nor Democrat, and I’m proud of it. What disappoints me are the staunch party supporters like timzank and tiredofbs. It is totally apparent that our political system is at least broken, yet they defend these thieves and liars to the point of making themselves look ridiculous. The problems we have in government didn’t begin with the Obama or Bush administrations, it’s a part of our heritage and history. It was said during the Bush years, the Congress in place during Georgie’s years, was the most corrupt since the one on place in 1888! It just doesn’t make sense to me when one is blinded by politics and pays little or no attention to the reality of our lives and how we are governed. Neither of them seem to lack intelligence, as Tim suggested I do, but they’re fighting a losing battle. No one wins if the politician wins, except the politician themselves and the corporations supporting this mess we call government! Re-elect no one…stop the politicizing of our government, demand fiscal accountability, and limit terms. THEN…we will see positive changes made in America.
jimw1016

You tired of the bs because you’re part of it. Idiot! Things aren’t going your Republican way so you cry. Need a tissue? Regarless of my grammatical prowess, Stevor, my point remains the same if that’s all you have to add to the discussion I question your IQ. If you get it to 3 digits get back to me?
jimw1016

If you believe in Democracy, you might want to check the “thumbs up/thumbs down scores. You’re behind. LMAO!!!
timzank

jimw1016….you are ranting incoherently and posting as though you are off your meds. Seek help.
tiredofbs

jimw1016 says:

Did you read this article? If true, which I doubt, less than 100 Taliban in Afghanistan?
If true, that sounds like an improvement to me.

————————————————————————-

CIA: AFGHAN PROGRESS ‘SLOWER’ THAN ANTICIPATED

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/06/afghanistan-progress-slower-than-anticipated.html
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jimw1016 says:

The problems we have in government didn’t begin with the Obama or Bush administrations, it’s a part of our heritage and history. It was said during the Bush years, the Congress in place during Georgie’s years, was the most corrupt since the one on place in 1888! It just doesn’t make sense to me when one is blinded by politics and pays little or no attention to the reality of our lives and how we are governed

—=======================———————–

Nice turnspeak. Alinsky disciple! Once again, u skirt the real issue, going on a tangent about Bush,& Corporations…
All turnspeak for SOCIALISM & far Left Ideology+

You, are the only of us here that needs to look in the mirror.”"”" when one is blinded by politics and pays little or no attention to the reality o”"”"”THAT IS YOU MY Friend,,All you.
Tragic Irony.Own it
jimw1016

One important element of this spirited forum, personally I don’t have a corrupt bunch of thieves and liars to support, can you say that Republicans? I will congratulate either side IF something positive miraculously occurs. Can you say that? Sadly there hasn’t been much to congratulate either party for. Did you watch Republican Scalise from Louisiana squirm and back pedal to avoid answering questions on the Chris Matthews clip shown on here on Mediaite? He asked him to denounce Limbaugh’s words and he almost fainted. Limbaugh controls your party and what they can and cannot say. That is a joke, a radio talk show host has massive power within the Republican party. Explain? If you can. I’m still waiting for you answer on any Local, State, or Federal agency not broken. All you have done so far is attack me personally. Answer and address the issues, if you can. Less Republican rhetoric.
tiredofbs

jimw1016 says:
June 27, 2010 at 3:26 pm jimw1016(Quote)

If you believe in Democracy, you might want to check the “thumbs up/thumbs down scores. You’re behind. LMAO!!!
========================================

Hysterical.OMG “Democracy” ??? Thumbs up or down?
U can’t be serious…. I CARE ABOUT THUMBS UP OR DOWN DEMOCRACY(?) ON A FAR LEFT WING SITE?
Dan Abrams cried on the steps of SCOTUS when Bush Gore verdict was announced, CRIED ON TELEVISION!

And that’s your DEMOCRACY?
I rest my case
jimw1016

Nice point tired but you have given no evidence for your opinions…just innuendo, and Republican bullshit. I don’t have a clue WTF you’re talking about. Who is Alinsky and why does he figure into this, and why should I care? Aside from innuendo and bullshit you have NOT addressed one valid point. I’ll give you an easy one, what positives did the Bush Administration create for you and your family? How did Bush being president positively effect your life? Once again take your time, but I don’t suppose you will answer this question either, you haven’t had anything valid to say yet. I’m stating publicly and honestly our current form of government must go or we are doomed, if you are happy with our government as it seems you are Mr. Republican, you too are doomed. I’m a different breed of cat, I don’t have any affiliation or positive feeling about politicians so I have nothing to support except change, so your Republican bullshit doesn’t work on me, I AM NOT A DEMOCRAT! LMAO YOU FOOL. Now address the issues because you’re starting to bore me.
jimw1016

You’re beginning to sound like a campaign speech…all fluff and promises with little or no substance. ISSUES PLEASE???!?!
jimw1016

No thumbs up/down shows you are an fool on this forum…more bullshit. Issues my man…issues???
jimw1016

You have no case. So rest, I’m bored, take a nap old man.
jimw1016

When you have the balls tom engage in a REAL discussion let me know because this one has been one-sided. You have had NOTHING of importance to add. review your comments, I did, nothing relevant. just personal attack which Republicans specialize in, Limbaugh, Beck and ALL of Faux News, and the list goes on. Nothing of any value. Republicans are attacking Obama for not stopping the oil spill. How would you Republicans stop it? You can’t, you are all adept at politicizing, with nothing of any true valuu to say. Google Senator Joe Barton. I have mentioned valid topics and ideas and you have dodged everyone and turned your efforts on attacking me personally, as did tim and steveor or whatever the village idiot’s ID is. Not one of you has said anything meaningful and to the point. Gee, just like Faux News, Limbaugh, Beck and the rest of you Republican fools.
Ninja

Jim,
Take a step back and a deep breath. Please try to collect your thoughts and express them rationally, your ramblings are very difficult to follow.
tiredofbs

hahahahahahaha
Those vicadins seem to be doing a good job

take another…I have people to entertain,
tho u have made my family laugh,,
THank You
jimw1016

http://www.stopwaste.org/docs/hero_wholefoods_oaktrib_120808.pdf

Maybe this will make sense…more forthcoming.
jimw1016

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11627394/

For Republican eyes…read and address. As I stated time and again, no one I have exchanged dialog with today on this forum had anything to say of any substance, only personal attacks were lodged. This address shows Bush ignored warnings of the crippling banking horror we have just been through and are actually coming out of, no thanks to you Republican idiots with no solution to any problem. The URL shows Bush totally ignored the impending problem New Orleans faced if hit by a Category 5 hurricane. For you Republican dummies Google Katrina. I have presented solid issues and asked for answers but got nothing in return. Here’s some items of substance. Explain them away.
jimw1016

Actually you don’t have to address, because as I’ve mentioned there has been nothing of substance said by any one of you supporting the Republic Party. Once again, I’m not a Democrat, but I was rebutting Republican statements and innuendo which contained no validity, which I requested and wanted. Nothing…no substance. But open the links and read them, you’ll see that 2 of the most sever disasters this country has had to deal with were caused by the Republican president in office because he ignored them both. I rest my case tired…at least I have one. You have made me tired, I’m going out. You act like you’re intelligent and you may be, but you have not one iota of common sense.
Ninja

Jim we get it. You are an angry liberal. I ask again, please collect you thoughts and put them into one rational post. I think you are actually arguing with yourself in this thread….amusing. On second thought, please continue your babbling for my entertainment.
tiredofbs

jimw1016 says:
jimw1016(Quote)

.msnbc.msn.com/id/11627394/
KATRINA
======================================================
Hey jim?
Don’t even get me started on Bush & Katrina.
Local Staters screwed up there,& ev1 w/half a brain knows…

He did all he could, & i have every painful detail…
The Republicans looking to take the high road,
allowed the Lefty Media to get a hold & define
the whole issue as they chose…Bad mistake.
I blame Bush for not wanting to defend himself

Read some details below,,,
but it is off topic,, & I will not go further

======================================
**********Jones Act of 1920 hinders best response to gulf oil spill in 2010************

During Katrina:.
Bush rescinded this law temporarily for Katrina ordered suspension of provisions of the Jones Act, ..
but B Obama won’t do it because of his ….Labor Buddies

=========================————————————–

Poll:
Louisianans think Bush did better on Katrina than Obama’s doing on the oil spill

Devastating. Especially since it comes from left-leaning pollster PPP.

Our new Louisiana poll has a lot of data points to show how unhappy voters in the state are with Barack Obama’s handling of the oil spill but one perhaps sums it up better than anything else- a majority of voters there think George W. Bush did a better job with Katrina than Obama’s done dealing with the spill.

50% of voters in the state, even including 31% of Democrats, give Bush higher marks on that question compared to 35% who pick Obama.

Overall only 32% of Louisianans approve of how Obama has handled the spill to 62% who disapprove. 34% of those polled say they approved of how Bush dealt with Katrina to 58% who disapproved.

The big winner? Bobby Jindal, whose 63 percent approval (65 percent on handling the spill) is the highest for any senator or governor in PPP’s polling

——————————————————
=========================================
THIS IS A SYNOPSIS OF BUSH’S KATRINA
On the morning of Friday, Aug. 26, 2005, Hurricane Katrina (Category 1) seemed certain to make landfall in the Florida panhandle, but by the afternoon, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) used new information to revise the watch area to include southern Louisiana. A watch was issued and on Saturday, two days before the storm hit, President Bush declared a state of emergency for Louisiana allowing federal resources to begin staging immediately. Nine hundred-thirty National Guardsmen were deployed to Louisiana that day. That evening the NHC issued a hurricane warning for New Orleans.

The federal government was participating in multiple conference calls with state and local leaders who would be the sole authorities for evacuations and preparation. On Sunday, Aug. 27, at the urging of President Bush, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin finally called for a mandatory evacuation, a delay caused by his concern for the city’s hotel industry. Even with local government delays, and school buses sitting unused, 80 percent of New Orleans’ residents evacuated which was an improvement over the city’s preparations for Hurricane Ivan.

On Monday, Aug. 28, Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. By the evening, as we all now know, levees were breaching and the city was flooding. But New Orleans had experienced devastating floods before, and Governor Blanco told federal authorities they could “handle it.” On Tuesday, Aug. 29, it was clear that New Orleans could not handle what was occurring. Levees could not be plugged, and water levels continued to rise, including in city and state-deemed evacuation shelters.

On Wednesday, Aug. 30, President Bush left the command centers located at his ranch in Crawford, TX to assume leadership in Washington. *****He flew over the crisis, because he thought landing would pre-occupy recovery workers, divert resources and clog up air space. Little did he know that this rational decision would be the impetus for his “Katrina.”

In hindsight, everyone admits he should have landed in Baton Rouge to affirm on the ground support. In Washington, Bush established the “White House Task Force on Hurricane Katrina Response.” Bush immediately relaxed federal fuel and emissions standards to speed along the recovery and diverted several Navy ships to the region to assist.
quner741

Joinhttp:=========http://www.clotheshops.us=========== will find everything you wish here.
http://tlwinslow.weebly.com tlwinslow

Task available general Stanley McChrystal with planning the invasion and regime change in Iran, using the Afghan troops as one pincer of a pincer movement, and hope that bin Laden is being held in Iran in a military base for use against the Saudi royals, thus killing two birds with one stone.

http://historyscoper-islamwatch.blogspot.com/