Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

Although he is right in the fact that is necessary to have a well conceived plan for removal of troops from Iraq, I believe that the author of this article has not completely looked at the facts that are now circulating through the American public. Although it is not an immediate plan for removal John McCain does have plan for removal of troops from Iraq. Until the political situation in Iraq has been solved it is ill conceived to start pulling troops out. Iraq’s government needs to be stable before we leave because if we leave Iraq’s government in its current state, it is open to attack from the very people that used to oppress them. The problem is not with the American government, like the author says it is with the Iraqi’s refusal to compromise over political matters. This however does not mean it is President Bush’s fault or John McCain’s. In order to solve the Iraqi problem the US needs to start making compromises with the Iraqi government. John McCain’s plans for withdrawal include such compromises that will ensure that troops will be removed from a secure Iraqi government that will be able to defend itself. This also solves the problem in Afghanistan. McCain’s plan will ensure that a steady withdrawal from Iraq will allow more troops to be transferred to Afghanistan to help bolster forces dealing with the Taliban. As for Obama’s plans for Iraq, he has promised full troop removal by 2010. While this may give the Iraqi’s the space they’ve been wanting it also leaves them open to attack. With fewer forces in Iraq insurgents will almost assuredly come down on the remaining US troops in the country. Another problem with Obama’s plan is that by leaving troops in Iraq and ordering more to Afghanistan he will be creating a two front War as the troops in Iraq will undoubtedly need support when the insurgents begin to take advantage of the weakened American presence. As for the 4,500 troop’s president Bush has promised for Afghanistan, it is really opinion in how effective they will be. Other sources have stated that this number will be enough to hold the Taliban until the situation in Iraq can be fully resolved. I do believe, however, that the author makes a good point in saying that American forces are be overtaxed and that the American government needs to switch its attention from Iraq to Afghanistan. Although current enlistment rates are higher than previous years the number of new troops cannot meet the increasing demands in the Middle East, especially in Afghanistan. Although the insurgents are still a threat that needs dealing with, the brunt of the US army needs to be focused on the reemergence on the Taliban.
Although I disagree with him on several points, I believe the author of this article makes a valid argument on several key points in the 2008 presidential campaign. Whether his views will come to light, that is up to the American people and the candidate that will become the next US president.


Note, i added the Link to my Article so everyone should be able to see it now.