|
Good Article
I believe in the US mission in Afghanistan and Iraq. I believe that in order to succeed, however, we need to stress the importance of why we (The US/NATO) are fighting. We are fighting for stability and security. We are fighting to prevent attacks on US, BRITISH, EUROPEAN soil. The Afghan and Iraqi communities need to believe that the US/NATO presence in their communities is worth the risk. The question is, How do we (The US/NATO) show citizens in Iraq and Afghanistan that we need to be there? Security is paramount. I believe that nothing is in life is more important than feeling safe. Of course, not everyone feels "safe" all the time, life is inherently risky. But those who live in war zones where US/NATO troops are seen as the "cause" of suffering cannot be transformed to believe that our presence is beneficial. Don't get me wrong, not everyone believes that we are the cause of all evil. But if the majority feels that we are creating more harm than good (Suicide bombs are meant to create that impression) then we will lose ground in combating terrorism.
This is why I believe in the idea of maintaining boots on the ground (Afghan police/military/US/NATO boots). We must maintain a constant presence in and around the communities that breed hate and ill-will toward freedom. Without an unending eye on the situation on the ground, we will fail in holding what the US military has accomplished. This is why we ensure that systems are created to ensure strength and focus in those that we train. We ensure that Afghan and Iraqi citizens believe in what they are fighting for.
More to come...if appreciated
|