Because they can't just come out and say, "well, really now...forever..."

"General George Casey, the Chief of Staff of the Army, said today the United States could face another 'decade or so' of persistent conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan..."

Translation: Until we really, really need to invade Venezuela, and put the Colombian affair under direct US operational management. Or maybe we'll just run all that shit at once and trade "citizenship" for "armed service." Worked for the Union, didn't it?

"In two months, the U.S. will have been at war in Afghanistan for nine years."

Translation: "Hah hah hah, fuckers. You really thought we meant 'no more nation building,' dintcha?"

"The four-star general said the U.S. military moved beyond conventional warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan 'long ago,' and that the focus is now on the people. Casey highlighted job, education and economic growth as essential to success in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Translation: "Stupid fuckwit voters. We meant perpetual war. We've said it dozens of times. And if you don't like it, shitwits, starve for all we care. And we don't care. We'll cut you off and let you starve anyway. Especially you sycophantic Tea Party and New Progressive types. Unless you can write code or keep workers in line. Then, we'll talk, fuckers."

"When asked if enemies of the U.S. have to be a part of the reconciliation process for it to be considered a success, Casey said that is a 'matter of debate,' but that enemies have to be convinced they will lose..." 

Translation: If the raggies don't get on board soon and take their piece of the petrodollar and mineral pie, we have other options. Trust us. Who'll really yelp about it? The Chinese? They need us to buy stuff or they're more fucked than we are. The Russians? And to whom will they sell all that natgas and oil, hmmm? That's right, fuckers. We own this bitch..."

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20010184-503544.html

h/t SwoonyPlace