Daily Democratic Wire 9-12-2009

George Wenschhof

Yesterday, President Barack Obama stressed the importance of participating in community service - he and Michelle helped to paint a home being built by Habitat for Humanity in Northeast D.C. You can read more here.

--------------------

Additional U.S. troops for Afghanistan hits roadblocks in Congress - while the President campaigned on the need to refocus American forces in Afghanistan rather than Iraq, Congressional Democrats are not supportive. Remember, the Soviet Union became bogged down in Afghanistan, due in part to U.S. covert supplying of arms and training to various tribes in the country.

Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich) who is chair of the Armed services Committee says we should be providing training to the Afghan Army - a familiar refrain heard since the U.S. quagmire days in Viet Nam. House speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calf.) also indicated there was little Democratic support in the House for additional troops. TheHill.com has more here.

--------------------

Middle East Envoy George Mitchell heads to Israel for continued talks - He will also visit Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. Mitchell is hoping to facilitate a meeting between President Barack Obama, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas when the U.N. General Assembly meets later this month. Reuters.com has more here.

--------------------

U.S. to engage in talks with Iran - agreement was reached to hold talks with Iran with representatives from Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany. Iran did not agree to any discussions surrounding their nuclear program. The NY Times has more here.

--------------------

To receive "Daily Email Updates" from Air-it-Out with George Wenschhof, click on "Subscribe to this feed" below.