In a country where war, and murder, and growing poppies for heroin consumption are a way of life, what difference have we made in the past 11 years? The answer is close to nothing. But now we know that our men and women can be gunned down by the same people who accept our friendship and our money and our trust. Afghanistan is hell on earth, and it's time for us to leave.

 

We originally entered Afghanistan in pursuit of al Qaeda. At last count, they were decimated with perhaps only a scattering of them left there. Their leader, Osama bin Laden, is dead and so are 75 percent of his top lieutenants.

 

In 2010 we adopted a new policy. According to the United States Peace Institute in London on January 28, 2010 we "reconfirmed broad international support for reconstruction efforts and programs to strengthening Afghan institutions and end the insurgency. With the support of international organizations and international funding, the Afghan Government’s National Solidarity and National Health Programs are considered among the most successful programs in the country, partially because they rely heavily on local decision-making and participation. While the success of these programs has helped legitimize the Afghan government, the planned 2010 parliamentary elections will also be an important benchmark in assessing governance, accountability and rule of law in Afghanistan. Lessons learned from the 2009 elections and recommendations provided by the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) can be used to monitor the 2010 election process more effectively. The U.S. government is also working to strengthen the human and institutional capacity of the justice sector, coordinate the informal and formal justice sectors, and increase the accessibility of the justice system – particularly for women."

  

Beginning last year 69 of our service members have been murdered in cold blood by members of the Afghan army.

  

The U.S. Military Code of Conduct states this about commitment: (1) I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.  And,

(6) I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, I am responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America. 
 

There is nothing in that code that states "I am willing to sacrifice my life to death squads composed of my allies," nor does the code allow for death squads to kill again and again.

 

The latest victims to Afghan death squads are Air Force Maj. Walter D. Gray, of Conyers, Ga.; Army Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy, of West Point, N.Y.; and Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, of Laramie, Wyo. 

 

Rest in peace.  Your service to your country went above and beyond your Code of Conduct.