Former Army intelligence operative Ralph Peters blasts Obama's Afghanistan speech as setting troops up to fail with his exit deadline. "If you're going to tell the Taliban to be patient because we're leaving, what's the point in upping the blood ante?"

What is Obama saying to his various listeners:

To our troops: Risk your lives for a mission I've written off.

To our allies: Race you to the exit ramp.

To the Taliban: Allah is merciful, your prayers will soon be answered.

To Afghan leaders: Get your stolen wealth out of the country.

To Pakistan: Renew your Taliban friendships now (and be nice to al Qaeda).

Read it all.