Reality check. U.S. fatalities have increased three-fold in the first two months of 2009, compared to January and February of 2008. A contributing factor to this increase in 2009 is the fact that we have more troops stationed in Afghanistan compared to a year ago. In 2008, the U.S. had 27,000 troops in Afghanistan. We currently have 38,000 troops, along with another 17,000 on the way soon. In a statement to the Pentagon, Mr. Obama stated "I think that because you are going to see that additional engagement, there is a risk of greater additional casualties in the short-term, just as there were in Iraq". However, these casualties we are seeing are not only U.S. soldiers, but also innocent Afghan civilians. Unfortunately, these are the perils of war. Yet, I have failed to see the logic of
Obama's policies thus far given we are engaged in Afghanistan. I think it is an established fact that we are at war with the Taliban. Now, if our country is at war, it is a potential target. So, that being said, why would Obama cut defense spending by 10%? A 10% cut is over $73.4 billion per year in national defense and security.
It is a difficult enough war to fight, a war on foreign ground against a hidden enemy. The Taliban uses the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan as a key advantage over the invading U.S. troops. Also, their artillery consists of IEDs and rockets targeting U.S. convoys. I strongly believe in the protection and security of America, both on our soil and on any enemy's that threatens our well-being. I think cutting defense spending is an enormous mistake, with real consequences. The Taliban is a strong enemy, and to defeat them (especially in Afghanistan) is going to require tremendous financial contributions towards war/defense and manpower. It saddens me to think that we have only begun to see the ill-effects of this war.
I am also very interested to hear what any democrats/liberals/Bush antipathetics think about this war and its potential consequences...
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