How many more years of war in Iraq?
Last week, the Pentagon released the results of its study, which showed no substantial link between al Qaida and Iraq prior to the U.S. led invasion and occupation.
March 15 marked the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war, although don't really understand why people call it an "anniversary." That's a word that most often indicates something to celebrate.
Suicides, family break-ups, spousal abuse, depression, and low morale are just some of the hidden legacies of the Iraq war. More than 2,000 soldiers tried to take their own lives in 2006, compared to 375 in 2002. Four thousand American troops have been killed, 29,000 have been wounded, and those who escape physical injury still stand a high chance of developing psychological scars that may stay with them for life.
The policy of extending tours of duty from 12 to 15 months, insufficient time between deployments to recuperate, and a two month waiting list for medical treatment is a key factor in the high level of mental problems among returning U.S. troops.
This is what happens to combat troops when the civilian leadership sends troops off to a war that is not well thought out, has no clear purpose other than removing one man from power, and includes no plan to handle what happens after that person is removed from power.
Unless one of the Democratic candidates becomes president, there seems to be no end in sight and five years from now, we might be talking about the 10th anniversary of the Iraq war.
How many lives per gallon? How many people have to die? When will "man" realize war is not the answer?
Was anyone listening on Election Day 2004 when Osama bin Laden stated in his video that the goal of al Qaida was to bankrupt the U.S.? Could bin Laden have been more pleased than to watch the Bush administration empty our treasury with their misguided invasion?
Call (201) 876-0430 or e-mail vaiw@hotmail.com (Veterans against the Iraq War) and see what you can do to support our troops and their families.
Chrisi Vineyard
Oswego