[CaptainHaplo]

I am suprised no one notice something else he stated. Here is the relevant portion - and I am adding emphasis to show what was missed.

"Let me be clear: None of this will be easy. The struggle against violent extremism will not be finished quickly, and it extends well beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan. It will be an enduring test of our free society, and our leadership in the world. And unlike the great power conflicts and clear lines of division that defined the 20th century, our effort will involve disorderly regions and diffuse enemies.
So as a result, America will have to show our strength in the way that we end wars and prevent conflict. We will have to be nimble and precise in our use of military power. Where al-Qaida 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."

Hmmm - isn't this the guy that said that al-Qaida was pretty much out of Iraq? When they try to move back in - is he going to redeploy the troops he removed to restabilize the region?

More importantly, he mentioned Somalia. The reality is that al-Qaida is known to recruit and finance alot of its efforts in Somalia from neighboring Kenya. *No - I am not tying this to any "truther" conspiracy*

Al Shabob (Al Shabaab?), an al-Qaida linked group, is known to operate and stage from Nairobi (in kenya) to act in Somalia. So when the middle east supposedly starts becoming "settled" (like that will truly ever occur) - will we be looking at sending troops to Africa - both Somalia and also Kenya?

What of the other areas in the world that have become centers of Islamic extremism and violence? Its not just the Middle East and Africa. What about Bolivia in South America? What about Bosnia, which has a erupted previously, and with its religious divisions could easily do so again. Heck, on that note, the entire Balkans area is a valid possibility. What of Bangladesh, a failed state by about any standard, with a substantial majority of Muslims. Turkey has been one nation that, while allied in name, must also be considered as a possible "safe haven" in some areas, due to its current political and social climate. What of Tatarstan, which has an overwhelming majority of its citizenry as Muslims, with a racial decendancy of Tatar? Definitely a possibility. An islamic flavored nationalism, or with the right people seeking haven, an actual islamic republic could easily be created there. Of course we can't forget others, such as Venuzuela or Nicaragua. The leadership of both countries are very chum chum with Iran, which is one of the major sources of real FUNDING of islamic extremism. The economic problems they face could easily have them willing to turn a blind eye to a few extremists trying to rebuild for a price, and before you know it, you have another area being violated by extremists.

While we are at it, add in Xinjiang. A province of China, it is predominantly fundamental islamic, and due to the persecution of all religion by the chinese government, there has already been some push back in that region by militants. Though I do have to say I think the chinese government would squash that ruthlessly on their own if push came to shove.

What the Potus said was he wants to have us out by a certain time, but have no doubt that our forces will be "redirected" to areas where he feels he can gain the most political show points.

Firewall has a valid point on the economic side as well. Obama mentioned that, yet what happens when all these troops come home, return to their jobs (which the employers are mandated to give them back by federal law), and then the numbers of unemployed increases by nearly the same numbers? To do so would exacerbate the economic situation here at home, and provide further facts for the opposition to show how his domestic agenda is a total failure for which the american people are stuck with the bill.