War won't solve Afghanistan issue

Over a year ago we learned of the additional commitment of troops to Afghanistan. Many of the reports suggested even more troops would be needed. A number of military officers affirmed that we were not in a positive situation at that time (March, 2009.)

In June 2010, we experienced the most American deaths of any month in the now nine-year war. We still see no firm evidence that we are in a positive situation.

History has proved that Afghanistan cannot be conquered by military means. The British failed in the 19th Century at the height of their empire. The Soviet Union failed in the late 20th Century.

Afghanistan is composed of multiple tribal interests rather than being a unified nation. While many Afghans may hate the Taliban, they have an even greater hatred of being occupied by other nations.

We have a moral and ethical responsibility to Afghanistan. It is best responded to by economic and humanitarian assistance. It is not served by a military occupation that supports a corrupt and largely impotent central government.

We have had a number of military failures in the past 60 years beginning with Korea and Vietnam. The history cited above suggests that Afghanistan will be another if we continue our present strategy.

In the words of a popular protest song of the 1960s, "When will they ever learn?"

Royce M. Blackwell

Elgin