The media and politicians have constantly defined the wars being faught  in Afghanistan and Iraq in geographic terms. In other words refering to them as the "War in Iraq" or the "War in Afghanistan".  I definitely puts an idea in your head, but is it the right idea?  Does it clearly define our purpose there?  I think the answer is no.  I say this because all to often I hear, "why are we even there?"  In fact these wars have to do with Islamic extremism and stability in the world economy. Both wars are being prosecuted in an attempt to stamp out terrorism and ensure economic stability in the world economy. 

Wether or not you want to believe it, the title of this capsule is the absolute truth. Maybe it shouldn't be the truth, thats not the point. The point is, in reality, everything in the world economy depends on oil. The developed world depends on the middle east for oil. The developed world believes that we can't afford instability in that region as it will cause the rest of the world to suffer economically. Unfortunately there are lots of people who live in Afghanistan/Iraq who know nothing, nor do they care about the developed world. These are the people who suffer. These people are the unwilling casualties of this war. The combatants are willing. It’s their vocation; as long as there is a human race, there will be warriors.

We in America are against drilling on our own soil. We like big, fast automobiles. We want reasonably priced gas for our large, fast cars and trucks. Our government and industry responds by bringing us cheap oil from abroad. Happy consumers equals happy voters, but thats not the governments only angle. Rember the capsule title. The American government along with the rest of the Developed world knows this statement to be true. The US has a large amount of natural resources, however when it comes to oil. Its a powerfull strategy to save yours and use someone elses. The cliche, "He who has the gold makes the rules" applies here. While this makes good business sense, its not allways a good idea diplomatically. America is an open society, most of the oil bearing Middle East and many of its other customer's are not. They often simply see us as greedy imperialist looking to take their natural resources and impose our views and values on them.   Basically bad foriegn policy, not bad business leads to military conflict. In essence the Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Airman are left to clean up the mess created by our government.

In my opinion the manner in which these wars are being prosecuted are counter productive.  A conventional war will not work in Afghanistan or Iraq.  Occupying Iraq will achieve nothing.  Sadam is gone. It’s the most we can do for the people of Iraq. We should leave. Further American money should not be used to build the new Iraq. This country is swimming in oil while Americans are swimming in debt.

 Americans have the idea that the war in Iraq was about freeing oppressed people. That was a consequence. It was not the major objective. It was about removing a dictator that could cause great economic instability. A man that the US and UK knew a lot about. Because they created him. The peoples of this region are tribal. There will ALLWAYS be instability.

  Freedom isn't free.  So far the Iraqi's haven't paid the price.  I don't believe they will. With in 10 years after occupation they will have another dictatorship or Islamo Fascist government. Unfortunate, but probably what’s going to happen.

Afghanistan is not conquerable, nor can it be occupied.  Al-Qaida must simply be destroyed. This can not be done on a schedule. It will take a long steady strain effort. This can not be done effectively by conventional military tactics. Even more so than in Iraq, there is absolutely NO winning of the hearts and minds.  The developed world has very little in common with these people. Can't even begin to understand them. Kill the terrorist where ever you find them, not just in Afghanistan.  Al-Qaida, PLO, Hamas it doesn't matter, these are the enemies of the developed world, not Afghanistan or Iraq. We are fighting idea's not countries. 

  Why Afghanistan? Would if it was Windsor Castle or the Eifle Tower that was blown up?  Would it have been ok for the Brittish and the French to attack the terrorist camps here in the US? The same idea applies. Fight them on some one elses soil, pick your battle ground.  Maybe thats a bad example. Maybe its a bad example because the French and Brittish look like us. The bottom line is this. Afghanistan does not have the entire market on terrorist training camps.  Still today there are known terrorist training camps in Yemen, The Philipines and Pakistan.  There are suspected camps in South Carolina, New York, Texas and Washington. In fact the lay of the land in Afghanistan is probably one of the toughest terains to prosecute a war.

The Global War on Terrorism, can it be won? Yes. It will take a consolidated effort; we in the US must not just root out Terrorist. We must change our foreign policy. We must remove the need for foreign oil. Stop accepting the answers from politicians or those in the pockets of special interest that say "we don't have enough", or  "it's too expensive". To those that question the cost of domestic oil simply provide them with a list of casualties experienced on foreign soil.

Finally, it really is just America now isn't it? We are not alone there in either region. Granted we are the largest presence. That’s the norm. We provide the bulk of the money, the bulk of the blood and take ALL of the blame. We don't want a thank you. What we want even less is to be second guessed by our own. Ladies and Gentlemen, hate your government, but LOVE your country. Despise the politician that sent your son's and daughters to war, but NEVER look down on those with the actual blood on their hands. Don’t disparage their dedication to duty and country by saying those who died did so in vain.