News Analysis: January 30, 2009
The deployments of our National Guard forces to Iraq continue — straining the ranks of our citizen-Soldiers and leaving us less prepared on the homefront. This is why legislators in 17 states are pushing legislation that would urge the denial any more Guard deployments to Iraq.
If our troops seek out help for substance abuse problems, they should be treated and not disciplined. Seeking treatment should be met with treatment for our combat-weary forces, not punishment, according to Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Missouri Democrat. Because there is an epic strain on our military men and women and we as a nation owe them our help, not more hurt. We also demand to know what can and should be done to solve the crisis of suicides in the ranks.
Tapping a former US military commander in Afghanistan to be the next ambassador to the country could be of great help in finally advancing order in the war-ravaged, deeply impoverished country. This is what President Barack Obama is considering. The future of Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai is also in the air, from the US perspective, as any move to radically improve the country must be “delicate.” Meanwhile, in Iraq, Iraqi forces will lead security in upcoming provincial elections. This will not be a cakewalk, as Iraq is still victimized by sectarian infighting — the latest rash of which left three political candidates dead. And we have other potential problems looming: Pakistan, Somalia, etc…
How much desperately needed care could be delivered to our wounded troops for $5.1 billion? Or billions more? There are certainly a lot of complaints, and evidence, regarding lack of care for our combat vets. Will acupuncture treatment in the field help treat troops in Iraq and Afghanistan? We must remember the veterans. Women veterans as well. And military families. We must keep the promise.
Talk about your family pressures: the Southern California woman who just gave birth to octuplets already has six other children and her husband is expected to return to duties in Iraq soon.