On 1 May 2003, President George Bush strode onto the deck of the aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln. Overhead was a banner saying "Mission Accomplished."
Five years later, I still don't see any strong, tangible accomplishments that warranted our entry into Iraq. The minor accomplishments have not justified the great loss of life and the amazing financial expeditures. Presidnt Bush's triumphant declaration notwithstanding, Iraq has become my generation's Vietnam. The protests haven't been as explosive but the bewildering reasoning of our politicians is no different. I recognize the fact that there are many differences. My comparison is that like the Vietnam War, the Iraq War is by and large admonished but there seems to be no end in sight.
As I look at the candidates for President, here are their statements:
- Obama stated he could get all combat brigades out of Iraq within 16 months. I don't know how he plans to do that with insurrection fighting still a problem.
- McCain stated that he'd one day like Iraq to no longer need US troops. What is the litmus test for not needing troops? They have a new government and have officials that were freely elected. He warns that we might have a military presence there for 100 years. I know the US still has troops in Germany, Cuba, and South Korea, among other places. But considering how strongly Americans disapprove this war, I don't think that's the kind of outlook people want to hear.
- Clinton said she'd start to withdraw troops within 60 days of being elected. Which troops? How many? When would the last group leave?
As a side note: What ever happened to Afghanistan?