The Iraq War Continues: A Non-Ending Saga
At the present time, the Iraq problem is demanding the attention and resources of the American people and leaders. I prefer to call it a “problem,” rather than a war. Most certainly, it is the most unconventional war I have ever seen.
After September 11, 2001, the American people, still mourning the loss of many of its own citizens, were more than willing to support entry into Afghanistan to wipe out the camps that were training Jihadist terrorists. Dubbed “evil-doers,” these extremists reportedly had vowed to erase from the earth anyone who does not share their beliefs. They call us, you and I, and anyone who is not of their religious persuasion, “infidels.”
Citizens of the U.S., still feeling in danger, and threatened because of the recent heavy loss of human life, agreed, for the most part, that an invasion into Afghanistan was necessary, as was the later trek into Iraq. The allegation that weapons of mass destruction were stored in Iraq turned out to be untrue. The American public thought that the invasion seemed justified, at the time it had occurred.
While we were there, why not topple the despotic leader, Saddam Hussein? After all, he has given orders for mass killings of his fellow countrymen. We succeeded in removing him from power. He was found, cowering in an underground hole, and was tried in a court of law, and hanged.
Since that time, the picture has changed considerably. Images on the nightly news show combat troops poking their guns through holes in brick walls, and running around the streets of Baghdad. This is URBAN guerrilla warfare. It is no wonder so many of our brave soldiers are being wiped off the map. With fighting done in the streets, there are more casualties to civilian populations and soldiers alike. The occupation of “suicide bomber” seems to be a recently invented one.
Our presence in Iraq seems to have worsened sectarian violence. We seem to be making little headway in improving diplomatic relations with Iran, a key player in being able to negotiate a peaceful settlement of the war. We should pay more attention to history. Our threats to Iran have not worked in the past. Why should we expect them to succeed now? The role of “Enforcer” does facilitate long term solutions.
Our military is courageous, in the face of adversity, and soldiers are holding up their end of the bargain. However, about a dozen soldiers appeared on television recently, out of uniform, to state that they didn’t sign up for this kind of jeopardy. They are disillusioned with the mission and its unclear goals.
When I wrote to my Senator a few weeks ago, I suggested that LOGIC should be used to end the war. My letter was met with silence. It has taken years to bring troops, guns, tanks, Humvees, and supplies there, so it would be illogical to think we could pull out quickly. However, we should be scaling back, not escalating, and we should be making plans for a major withdrawal of troops, as soon as possible.
I call this “Bush’s war,” not out of a lack of respect for the man, or for the office he presently holds. Right now, he does not seem to be listening to the polls, or to the will of Americans who have stated, in no uncertain terms, that we want an end to the INSANITY that is this war.
That stance does not qualify one as being unpatriotic. It is being self-protective of our troops, who are, after all, our fellow Americans. If they see no meaning in the mission, except the risk of their own lives, this situation is just unacceptable.
The most frightening statistic (ratio) that I have heard since the war began is that for sixteen soldiers who are severely maimed or injured, there is one soldier who is killed. Back home, the wounded are facing what seem to be insurmountable problems concerning their survival and quality of life.
Peaceful solutions must be reached soon. The writing is on the wall. I just hope that politicians are smart enough to read the message.
Patricia
