YOU CAN HEAR THE NETROOT TEETH GRINDING FROM HERE....:

Obama's neocon stake in Afghanistan elections: His surge of troops helps promote a safe and secure vote this Thursday. (The Monitor's Editorial Board, August 17, 2009, CS Monitor)

[A]n important election this Thursday in Afghanistan is pushing Mr. Obama toward the neoconservative idea of using force to promote democracy and freedom as a bulwark against Islamic terrorism. Not only has he sent a surge of troops to Afghanistan, he is making sure US soldiers prevent the Taliban from attacking polling stations, threatening voters, and otherwise ruining the vote for president and local councils. [...]

The Taliban see this election as a violation of Islam and threaten to chop off the ink-stained finger of anyone who casts a ballot. Recent US assaults on Taliban strongholds are Obama's attempt to make sure the election is free and fair – and conducted without fear. Such a defense of democracy is essential if Afghanistan is to not again become a sanctuary for international terrorists, especially Al Qaeda.