Facing the facts about the war

Facing the facts about the war

Partisan politics aside, we the people must face some facts about the Iraq war.

Following Saddam Hussein's removal, our forces became the target of attacks. Some have been and are from outside militant sources, but many are from internal factions. We are mired in an occupation and the toll in Iraqi and American lives and limbs is unjustifiable.

Do we gain from this conflict? There are no answers that reflect the sense of justice and fair play that Americans believe are their strengths.

If the purpose of this war was a smokescreen to secure a stronghold in the area, or a way to control the oil, then we should be outraged. These are not sufficient reasons to invade a country and put our troops in harm's way. Wise leadership would know this.

If the purpose of this war was national security, then it was a huge failure. We have helped to create a wave of anti-Americanism that may surpass any previous foreign policy mistake.

Terrorism needs to be combated by FBI-style intelligence, policing, and policy instead of invasion. Even the current escalation ignores military history. If we increase strength in one area, the guerrilla fighters will focus on another.

Our leaders, in choosing to put us into this conflict, were responsible for a positive outcome. Military and academic resources could have, and probably did, predict the current outcome. To say that the results are surprising is to admit that research and thoughtful consideration were not used.

We should judge our leaders by the success of their endeavors and judge them for their failures as well. Even today, we can look to experts to establish a comprehensive new course of action to correct this mistake. If our leaders are unwilling to do this, they should step -- or be moved -- aside.

D. Troland

Arlington Heights