Trouble Ahead: Afghanistan

When is war not war? Answer: when it is called a training and counterterrorism mission. Deadly semantics.

Of course, I refer to the draft agreement between Afghanistan and the United States that contains the rules of engagement for our nation’s longest running war—12 years to get us to today. The Afghanistan council,3,000 strong, must approve the deal. Terms allow 8,000 to 12,000 foreign troops, mostly Americans, to be in the country. Of course, we will be pouring in $4 billion annually in aid to Afghanistan above and beyond the cost of our troop presence.

I’ve only read news accounts of what’s in the pact. One key element is the definition of how our troops may conduct house raids. I guess this only happens when the raid is done to protect our troops. Will there be instant replay on close calls like in the NFL? But there is also a provision that allows our Special Ops troops to conduct anti-terrorism work at any time, anywhere, including house raids. Confusing.

This Afghan council receives the pact today, so until it is signed, sealed and delivered the finer details of house raids will not be known. But what is known is that if signed by all parties, we are committing to another ten years to be in a place that doesn’t want us, only our money. I understand the military strategy of controlling the rise of terrorism by having a strong presence in this haven of radicalism. I also understand the costs in terms of human life, not just for those who will die in Afghanistan, but for those who will die or suffer in the United States because our resources to care for our own people have been depleted by this ongoing military strategy.

As a regular citizen, it is difficult to know the right steps to take to prevent 9/11 attacks. I read reports and talk to people who have served in Afghanistan. The picture is murky. In the end we have to trust our leaders and, therein, lies the problem.

[Grammar check: Microsoft says I should use “lay” in that last sentence, but lay refers to past events and I am suggesting the present/future; i.e., trouble ahead.]