From the spiritual point of view, there is nothing but foreboding. All the reasoning, calibration, strategy-making, military geometrics notwithstanding, we are again sending a large contingent of our young men and women into a bleak conflagration that was originally settled and closed in 2002.
The fact that the Taliban, roundly defeated (not without American blood) after 9/11 were then able to resurrect themselves because of our egregious distraction (and American hemorrhaging) in Iraq does not make this after-the-fact, dangerously remedial, ultimately feckless effort—on the bones and flesh of our youth—any righter.
There is no “good war,” Mr. President. Not in these times, not under these circumstances.
Just as the French lost Vietnam and that didn’t edify us, the Russians were routed in Afghanistan (while we armed the very same Taliban). Where is the moral equation here, but for the upside-down one that equals our lack of enlightenment? This terrible business in the crescent area, in the blazing sands of Iraq and the labyrinth-like mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan, amongst curdling feudal sheiks and bloodthirsty tribal warlords who have no other employment than as career murderers and slaveholders—what does this really have to do with America’s truly principled interests and needs?
We have been trapped in the stormy dunes of one and the impassable peaks of the other for twice as long now as our involvement in the Second World War. We brought down fascism between 1941 and 1945 and ended the life of Adolf Hitler; today we have stressed, under-supplied armies and we haven’t even brought out Osama bin Laden.
There isn’t even a sense of service and volunteerism amongst our civilian population; our proclamations of pride in the military are sincere as they are perfunctory and few of our congressional representatives even pretend to push their children to enlist.
There is no “good war,” Mr. President. Not in these times, not under these circumstances. And frankly, not for those deeply afflicted people over there whom we just can’t save—especially when you tell the enemy before the opening bell what your exit timetable is.
The president may have his reasons and he certainly has his generals. But all I saw in that taut, prim West Point audience in dutiful garb were a bunch of great kids. Why, Lord?
Image: US soldiers in Afghanistan (ABC News)
Comments
you eloquently speak a sobering truth!
thank you dear
The last good war was WW2, because we knew why we were fighting and who. People at home fought too and didn't just go shopping. War today is a business.
Selfishly, I am glad I am out of the fray. My disappointment in the recent actions of a president who could not possibly be the savior we hoped for (no one could) would stress me greatly were I still resident in the nation of my birth. Michael Moore eloquently begged Mr. Obama to dismiss the natterings of his generals whose business these days, as you have rightly pointed out I think more than once, is not national defense but commerce, the commerce of war-making. You have eloquently chastised Mr. Obama; I do so hope he takes such admonishment to heart and reverses some decisions that are morally untenable. Thank you for making the point.
You make a couple of factual errors in this article. First, you state that the Taliban resurrection was due to America's being "distracted" by Iraq. In truth, we sent more troops to Afghanistan while deploying troops to Iraq. No distraction there.
Secondly, you write, "There isn’t even a sense of service and volunteerism amongst our civilian population; our proclamations of pride in the military are sincere as they are perfunctory...." Are you aware, sir, that re-enlistment in the military is at its highest level since we went to an all-volunteer military?
Either you are lying or ignorant. Classify yourself.
I would have loved an announcement that withdrawal was a Christmas present to our sons and daughters in harm's way. But, I trust this president to do what is best given that I don't know any of the intelligence presented. This is where the character issue plays into a president. We can argue, second guess, and Monday quarterback anyone. What it comes down to is what history will teach us about the wisdom of this decision. Until then or until I have something concrete that tells me this president is not using honest soul searching in his decision making I'll stand aside.
A response to Jesse. The high re-enlistment in the military is probably a result of the bleak employment situtation in the US right now. It is just too expensive to make Afghanistan our next nation-building project. We have so much to do in our own country now, to build up our own country, to remain a strong power on the global scene We need to limit our presence in Afghanistan.
Recently talked with a General who served in the first Gulf War. He agrees, this thing has Vietnam written all over it. We need to get back to the original goal of the war, get the thug who financed 9/11. If we do nation build, we need to start from the bottom up, the war lords and the chiefs. Leave the poppy thing alone. It is regrettable, but that is their only industry right now. Kill the demand, not the supply. Help the war lords find a real business and then help them develop it. Nation state is a western idea. Do not force them to accept one and get out as soon as possible.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!