Beyond Afghanistan and into Yemen

ABC News this morning is flaunting an exclusive report that President Obama ordered attacks Thursday on two sites in Yemen. Apparently, the two sites were known to be al Qaeda training and planning centers.

While this is a bit of a surprise, the introduction of yet another country in our current war, the report points to a quote from the President’s speech about troop escalation in Afghanistan as a clue to the US participation in the attacks:

"Where al Qaeda and its allies attempt to establish a foothold -- whether in Somalia or Yemen or elsewhere -- they must be confronted by growing pressure and strong partnerships."

The particular attacks were planned and executed by the Yemen government. Supposed intelligence points to Yemen as the current location of al Qaeda key people.

This raises several questions: Can we maintain a strong yet geographically diverse military presence the world over? Is it possible to thwart al Qaeda’s mission when its resources seem to be so limitless? How much credence can we give to an “exclusive” report by one news agency?

The truth is out there, somewhere, but who knows where.