The question then becomes one of what is our end game for Afghanistan? Can we accomplish our goals leaving the Taliban intact?

America: Wisdom and Prudence



George W. Bush has so far successfully handled this most dangerous and critical course of action skillfully and with great prudence. And in doing so, has won the admiration and support of most of the world. In refusing to act in haste and anger, he has shown a wisdom far beyond his years. You can visibly feel the lessening of tension from countries used to our utilizing punishing air strikes as a method of dealing with terrorism. Handled properly, this could buy us more global goodwill then we have seen since World War 2.


The question then becomes one of what is our end game for Afghanistan? Can we accomplish our goals leaving the Taliban intact? In my opinion, this would be the single most crucial and damaging course we could take. It would also be immoral. Knowing as we do, how the average Afghani citizen has suffered at the hands of these religious zealots. Receiving the direct message from the Taliban, that they will resume opium production in retaliation against us. Fully cognizant that the 50 million dollars per year in narcotics revenue never reaches those who need it most, how could we justify leaving them in power?

Just in the last few days, reports are coming in of the murder of young men who refuse to fight and 200 Afghan women. Tales of torture, men having their faces skinned, skulls caved in and mass graves, make it clear what must be done.

It is not in US interests to occupy foreign countries, nor is it prudent to establish puppet regimes. With the Northern Alliance, 2,000 Afghani women, and others who oppose this terrorist regime ready to fight, we need to arm and encourage their attempts to rid their country of this cancer. We need to help Afghanistan rebuild their nation. Aid in the form of food, medical care and supplies are urgently needed.

In helping this small nation to recover from years of war, poverty and repression, we will earn the good will of our global allies. It will send a clear message that we are a just, loving and generous nation. We do not abandon the small and weak in the interests of achieving our own aims. Wounded though we are, we can look beyond our own tremendous grief and pain, and see the suffering of others. Caring enough to make a difference. This can be Americas finest hour. And a giant step towards global peace.