Michelle Miller's Notebook: Afghanistan

Katie Couric is off today.

As the President braces for a renewed health care battle here at home, a war overseas is grabbing headlines once again.

It's been nearly eight years since the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in response to 9-11. Troops went in seeking Osama bin Laden and the Al Qaeda operatives responsible for the attacks. What they found was a virtually lawless nation where poverty and a lack of infrastructure have made progress a challenge.

Now, as years pass but the violence doesn't, support for the war may be slipping.

In a new CBS News poll, 52 percent of those surveyed said the war is going badly, and fewer than half approve of President Obama's handling of Afghanistan.

August was the bloodiest month there yet, with 51 Americans killed.

The administration may now have to wage two campaigns to win hearts and minds - in Afghanistan where an emboldened Taliban is gaining strength - and in the United States, where time may be eroding resolve.

I'm Michelle Miller, CBS News.

  • Michelle Miller



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