Its Past Time to Rethink Afghanistan.....

If you really want to get a taste of how the war in Afghanistan is going you need to read the same two articles that I read today. The first one deals with a 21 year old Marine, Joshua Bernard - who made the ultimate sacrafice in this god-forsaken land called Afghanistan. The second article has to do with the lack of certainty of his leadership. In my view, General McChrystal may well be on his way to the Hall of Military Shame with General William Westmoreland, who lead our troops to disaster in Vietnam.

Joshua Bernard's father had become a vocal critic of the "rules of engagement" for US Forces in Afghanistan. Those rules severely restrict our troops ability to react to hostile fire anytime there may be civilians around. This is precisely what we should not be doing. This feable attempt at "nation building" in a nation dominated by tribal warloads is futile, and can only cost American lives and cash. You can read more about this issue here. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33296515/ns/us_news-military In my view, war is an all out effort. While we can try and be humane - we cannot sacrifice our soldier's lives to enemies who want to hide behind civilians. My Dad, a former Marine from both Korea and Vietnam wars taught me, "Dog's fight, Men kill one another." While not as experienced as my old man, my view is the same; War is not a game of tag or hide-and-go seek. War is played for blood; theirs and/or ours. Further, collateral damage, in terms of civilian life, is just one more butt-ugly part of war.


At a time when you may find yourself disturbed by the death of yet another brave Marine, it is still more disturbing that the US Commander on the Ground in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, admits he has grave concerns about the corruption in Afghan Government - while at the same time requesting more U.S. troops (as many as 80,000) to continue this futile effort. You can read more about the Commander's concerns here....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33300148/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia
Clearly our leadership is uncertain that a positive outcome can be achieved, further it would take decades to accomplish. Finally, what would the cost be (even if we were successful) of this ridiculous effort.

For those of you who suffer decade long bouts of Attention Deficit Disorder - the previous war in Afghanistan vitually bankrupted the Soviet Union. Admittedly, the U.S. helped the Afghans stave off the Russians, but once again - the Afghan people are fighting for their "God" and their "Way of Life". Their quality of life is poor and they have little to lose; hence the suicide bombers. This was a lost cause when we started it, and we lose more every day that we risk / waste American lives and treasure in this god-forsaken primitive land.

Currently, there are estimates that it will take a number of decades to resolve the issues in Afghanistan. Hopefully, our leadership will recognize that our troops are too precious to waste on a fool's errand, like Afghanistan.

If you agree with me, tell your Senators, Congressmen, and President. If you don't agree with me, that's fine, explain yourself or go to hell! I'll see ya there.

god Bless our Troops and god help our Leaders,

All the best,

Mike