The president's apparent rejection of all Afghanistan strategies reminds me of Kennedy's reaction to the various proposals for escalating against Cuba during the 1962 missile crisis.
I hasten to emphasize that we don't know exactly what's going on in these meetings, but it's clear that the notion of escalating in Afghanistan isn't making sense to the president. And it shouldn't. He has as much, if not more, a sense of history as any expert watching from the outside who knows that escalation could lead to endless disaster.
It might be wishful thinking, but I can't help but to think that the president will announce a small troop increase as cover for the Afghan security forces, and attach it to a strict timeline for a draw down. Again, speculation, so take it as such. I also think we'll leave troops there in order to keep an eye on Pakistan's nukes.
One thing's for sure. President Obama is aware of LBJ's mistakes.
Adding... This item in the Washington Post about the president as commander in chief is a must read.
And also... This firsthand account of the president's visit to Section 60 at Arlington Cemetery -- also a must read.