At the White House yesterday the President informed the American people that the U.S. combat role in Afghanistan will end this year. There will be 9800 U.S. troops that will stay to help train Afghan troops and to conduct counter terrorism operations. That number will be cut in half in 2015 and the only remaining U.S. troops at the end of 2016 will be those necessary for security for the American Embassy.
This writer in a commentary just recently concerning Afghanistan was of the opinion that all combat troops should be brought home by the end of 2014 and stated the reasons why. I still stand by that opinion but I support the President's Decision.
U.S. senators Lindsey Graham, John McCain and Kelly Ayotte said that Obama was foolish to set a date and that doing so will embolden our enemies. They would like for the President to keep the American people and our troops in the dark and to what our future plans are in Afghanistan. Those 3 senators are full of it and one only has to consider the source. McCain and Graham opposed the President's decision to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home. They are also the ones who knew for sure Iraq had WMD. They are also the ones who would have our men and women in uniform involved in endless wars that are unnecessary.
The war in Afghanistan will be 13 years and counting in October. Our men and women in uniform have experienced multiple deployments there under harsh conditions and have paid a dear price. They and their families deserve to be reunited and have the time needed to put their lives back together.
The U.S. needs leaders who understand the terrible price our country and our troops paid in Iraq over WMD that did not exist and never again start such a war. We are a better country than that and a proud military that prides itself on fighting just wars. The President also said in his announcement that Afghanistan will not be a perfect place and it is not our responsibility to make it one. That is reality, something the chicken hawks will never understand. And reality is the most import part of going to war.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
