Five Years

Iraq Casualties, Iraq Costs, Iraq Numbers

Over the past 5 years, the nature of the Iraqi War has changed from overthrowing a dictator we once counted as an ally to a peacekeeping and reconstruction effort that is doing neither. As someone who has always opposed the war, it is too easy for me to point out the flaws. Unfortunately, those responsible for the mess refuse to admit either their culpability or the reality of the situation. Rather than honor our troops, the administration is stop-lossing them and leaving them at the mercies of a dysfunctional Veterans Administration. We all know how we got into this mess, the question is how and when do we get out of it? Do we continue the failed policies for another 5, 20, or 100 years? Or do we get out as soon as we can? Either choice is painful for the U.S. and Iraq. Either choice will result in bloodshed and instability. Our economy, our national security, and most importantly, our troops cannot afford another 5 years.

And I haven't even mentioned Afghanistan.