Posts
Oct. 8,2009
By
Joseph Chez
Eight years at war In Afghanistan and the nation questions;' how many more?
Yes, this week marks the 8TH year anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan - the forgotten war that a great majority of Americans has placed in the back or their minds. However, American forces have suffered significant casualties as well as countless severe and disabling war related injuries. Moreover, the ballooning deficit facing the nation is partly the result of the no-ceiling expense for the war.
Today, our economy is moribund and many question if whether the nation is capable of further economic drain. This is one reason national polls are showing wavering support for the war. In contrast, the White House is feeling pressured from the GOP and the Pentagon for continued involvement and even troop level increases. But soon, the President will be deciding on what will be the course for the war; whether to embrace Gen. McChrystal's request for more troops or perhaps come to the realization that it is not in the best interest of the country to continue a military presence in Afghanistan.
But something is needed as the status quo appears not to have an ending. However, the President must also conclude that remaining in that part of the world will not keep us safe here at home, for if that were to be true, we would have to be in every part of the world - forever.
The final caveat : a war with no viable exit strategy may only cause a protracted war that will further strain our economy, weaken our military readiness and not provide the country with meaningful safety. The answer is therefore not difficult; let's get out before the sandpit turns to quicksand.
By
Joseph Chez
Eight years at war In Afghanistan and the nation questions;' how many more?
Yes, this week marks the 8TH year anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan - the forgotten war that a great majority of Americans has placed in the back or their minds. However, American forces have suffered significant casualties as well as countless severe and disabling war related injuries. Moreover, the ballooning deficit facing the nation is partly the result of the no-ceiling expense for the war.
Today, our economy is moribund and many question if whether the nation is capable of further economic drain. This is one reason national polls are showing wavering support for the war. In contrast, the White House is feeling pressured from the GOP and the Pentagon for continued involvement and even troop level increases. But soon, the President will be deciding on what will be the course for the war; whether to embrace Gen. McChrystal's request for more troops or perhaps come to the realization that it is not in the best interest of the country to continue a military presence in Afghanistan.
But something is needed as the status quo appears not to have an ending. However, the President must also conclude that remaining in that part of the world will not keep us safe here at home, for if that were to be true, we would have to be in every part of the world - forever.
The final caveat : a war with no viable exit strategy may only cause a protracted war that will further strain our economy, weaken our military readiness and not provide the country with meaningful safety. The answer is therefore not difficult; let's get out before the sandpit turns to quicksand.
No comments:
Post a Comment