Letter to the Editor: What Are We Fighting For?

In the editorial section of Sept. 4 Akron Beacon Journal, there was an article written by a well-decorated retired U.S. Army Captain Meehan, a veteran of the Iraqui war. This "Identity crisis for a casualty of war" should be required reading for everyone.

If you are shocked at the physical injuries sustained by the allied troops, imagine the hidden mental and psychological injuries sustained by so many, as described in his personal article.  There is no prosthetic that can help with this, and the large, ever increasing suicide rate is proof of the problem.  Put yourself in Capt. Meehan's place. How much more are we going to subject the armed forces to, before we realise that this is a lost cause? We should be up in arms (figuratively speaking!) against this terrible waste.

For what are we fighting in Afghanistan?  The British lost 3 Anglo-Afghan wars between 1839 and 1919, the Soviets were forced to withdraw in 1989 after 10 years of occupation, and the whole history of Afghanistan is about unsuccessful conquerers in between civil wars.  Did not we learn from Viet Nam? Wars used to be fought for land possession — winner takes all!  To the conquerers go the spoils.  In most cases, the colonists provided something in return — stability, forming stable political, legal, moral, and educational systems.  As with parents who raise children until they are ready to "leave the nest", colonists "raised their young", then 'granted' independence when the countries felt that they were ready. What are the wars being fought for now?  Beats me!  What have the allies gained in the last 11 years in Afghanistan? Some people who have lost loved ones in these wars say, "Keep on going, because I do not want our loss to be in vain."  Why?  So others can be killed or maimed, physically and mentally.  We are slowly (?) losing the cream of our youth, and affecting others' lives permanently. Enough is Enough.

Robin Reid, Fairlawn