Afghanistan has already severed the head of one super-power. Not long ago, the Soviet Union made the fatal decision of following numerous empires into the dustbin of history. They invaded and occupied Afghanistan.
Was this decision sufficient to cause their collapse? Maybe not. But few would argue it played an important role in the Soviet Union's downfall.
No one can argue that the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan is good for the American people. Not the loss of treasure, not the loss of life, not the continued demoralization of our population...and make no mistake that the people have been hurt by our brutality there.
We rationalize away what we do there. From the murders, to the torture, to the occupation of tribes and people we consider inferior to ourselves. We have hurt ourselves greatly these last 8 years.
And what can the justification can the President give for all this madness?
A narrative can be invented. It has been invented. Stop the Taliban, prevent Al Qaeda from returning, stabilize a democracy, etc. None of it would make sense to a man as intelligent as Barack Obama. If he gives us this story we will see his real hand. We will know that he is not a change from the old powers but a continuation.
Put aside a moment the valid point that murdering and occupying other human beings is naturally evil. It is bad for us as a nation. No monies can be recouped from Afghanistan (minus a pipeline from the Caspian passing through Afghanistan *see Carlyle Group 1998). Afghanistan will never become the 51st American State. So why continue the occupation?
I suggest the President has not given a speech regarding the macro-strategy in Afghanistan not because he is concerned with his domestic agenda but simply that none exists. With no clear strategy in the country, no overwhelming need to continue our occupation, and a moral imperative not to continue there is only one acceptable answer.
The President must begin bringing troops home from Afghanistan.
If he fails to do this with his announcement, or worse, increase our commitment there I vow to abstain from the 2012 elections or vote for an anti-war candidate.
The HOPE I had and the tears I shed last year will all be for nothing.