Backtalk: Back-page reality

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Back-page reality
By Ralf W. Zimmermann

With presidential elections approaching, American voters should embrace their constitutional privilege to participate in the political process. This includes understanding the presidential and congressional candidates’ visions for our hopelessly desynchronized foreign policy, immigration, health care, outsourcing, the environment and controlling the congressional spending carnival that supports things as ludicrous as teapot museums.

At this point, most presidential hopefuls aren’t truthfully addressing America’s long-range military and political commitments around the globe and their cost to taxpayers. It’s exactly in that arena where American lives and the livelihoods of future generations are at stake. Of course, Iraq and Afghanistan are the most pressing concerns. While the Democratic candidates generally push for an immediate Iraq troop pullout, Republicans are babbling about withdrawal after an undefined victory. As the debate spin continues, our military is building forts in the Middle East.

Are Americans aware of this strategy of military permanence?

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is making a gradual comeback, despite the infusion of additional NATO forces during 2007. With Osama Bin Laden, al Qaida and the Taliban alive and fairly well, it will require at least 20,000 U.S. troops and countless contractors permanently based in Afghanistan to keep the vulnerable government of President Hamid Karzai in power.

When watching the latest news on Iraq, one could almost believe that the magical Petraeus surge has won the long-promised “mission accomplished” label. But then listen to Army Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling’s latest assessment during a Nov. 19 news conference in Tikrit.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_backtalk_bases_071224/