Iraq/Afghanistan/Veterans

Iraq/Afghanistan/Veterans

The administration lied to get the U.S. into this war. Following a high-tech, high-cost invasion they had no plan for the occupation, leading to high costs in lives and money. Now we have created the hot bed of terrorism we were supposed to have been defeating.

How should it end? The administration must admit that many of the objectives given to support the "pre-emptive" invasion of Iraq can no longer be achieved. It's time to agree honestly on what objectives can still possibly be attained. All efforts should be made to achieve those objectives. These objectives will determine the timing for departure. Iraqis need to defend and police their country. Americans need to come home.

Even the known costs are astronomical and are forcing cutbacks in essential human services in the U.S. The Administration admits to spending $10 billion a month (that's $1.3 million every hour) in Iraq and Afghanistan. Expenditures in Iraq alone have increased from $48 billion in 2003 to an estimated $94 billion in 2006.

Our efforts should be continued in Afghanistan where the Taliban harbored Osama bin Laden and facilitated the horrific events of 9/11. Afghanistan is where we need to complete the job.

Our troops need to be supported when they return home as well. Funding for veterans programs needs to be increased so that those who have served our country are remembered and honored.

http://www.cohenforcongress.com/issues-iraq.html