Hey everyone. This next issue is going to be a video on CNN about NATO pulling out forces from Afghanistan by 2014. Remember that if you do not understand the new story, research additional information.
Every person must post at least two comments. Use the directions that I handed to you for the last current event. For the comments that were done last time, they were excellent!
Your opinion should be whether NATO and the United States should withdraw their combat troops from Afghanistan and give the task of security over to the Afghanistan government. Remember to be respectful of other student's opinions! This is an extremely controversial topic!
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/11/21/exp.sotu.mullen.nato.cnn?hpt=Sbin
~Mr. Mazur
I feel that America has taken far too much time in Afghanistan already. I think it is a great thing to try and help other nations in need, but I feel it was not the US's place to step in for so long with such little true success. I feel the US should have focused more on the problems within its own country before going into other nations such as Afghanistan. I feel like it is good the US will finally leave Afghanistan in 2014, but as much as it is said that this realistically happen, I feel it will not. Sure, some and possibly many troops will leave, however; many will still remain there to "assist and train". I feel it will be a great amount of time more until the United States really leaves Afghanistan as a whole. I feel that there is no definite plan for having troops leave in 2014, which leaves me wondering what will really happen when in this interview the word "uncertainty" came up far too frequently to make me feel comforted in knowing there was a steady plan of action for removal of troops in this announced year. As stated, this war has been going on for nine years now, and I feel the US is going to take close to if not more than that amount of time to finish and end what they have started in Afghanistan and I feel that has taken far too much time with results not nearly as great as the loss of money and lives in Afghanistan.
ReplyDeleteDeanna A 1/2
I believe the issue at hand is very significant and the goal of 2014 withdrawal of combat troops is beneficial and realistic. We have tried our best to support Afghanistan long enough and now it is time for them to fend for themselves, however successful they may be. I agree with Deanna; we have spent far more time in the country. Our perseverance in Afghanistan was a great idea, however we have delayed our time there, unfortunately wasting time and money on a problem we could not resolve. Afghanistan will have to resolve their own turmoil on their own while we do ours.
ReplyDeleteCheyenne Chmara
I think that the goal of 2014 will be unsuccessful. Since America has spent so much time in Afghanistan, I believe it is going to take longer than six years. The US seems to always want to try and help other nations instead of worrying about our own problems first. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful thing that we are so willing to help others, but i feel we need to make sure our problems here are set before going into other countries taking care of theirs. The US has been in Afghanistan for sooooo long and because it took such a long time for the recently windrawn troops to be released, i think it will take long to withdrawl all the US combat forces as well.
ReplyDeleteBria Stewart
I do not think that we will be unsuccessful in withdrawing our troops by the predetermined date of 2014 but I agree with many of Bria's points. Pulling out our troops will be very difficult and it will take time but we're giving it four years to accomplish it, so I have faith in it's success. A major concern that strikes me is the finance needed to get this done. Withdrawal from Afghanistan will take a copious amount of money that we clearly do not have.
ReplyDeleteCheyenne Chmara
I completely agree with Cheyenne. We are at the moment struggling with finances and unless a miracle happens we will still be in a struggle by 2014. This process will be very difficult for the US, and I think it will cause us more problems than we already have.
ReplyDeletehey i was wondering if someone could help me...when i put the video in my url, the video is about campaigning in eygpt...is that the right video? if not where can i find the right one?
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great goal to have our troops out of afghanistan by 2014, however i am not sure of how realistic it is. That's about 3 years away since we are nearing the end of 2010 and for the amount of time we have already spent over there, it seems unfathomable to bring all the troops home. Even if all the combat forces are home there still may be troops to "train and assist" and that basically means not everyone will be home. In agreement with Cheyenne, our financial situation is extremely poor. However, at this rate what's another 15 billion dollars added to our debt? And i am sure the cost will be even more than that. Also, the way they talked about the pace of this movement was very uncertain. Footprint size was mentioned repeatedly. Well i they want to get these troops out they have to come up with a better plan than "we'll see what footprint size we make".
ReplyDeleteTaylor Novello
I completely agree with Taylor. If we are going to leave Afghanistan in what is indeed about three years now, we do need a plan. With the initiative of having this set goal date of troop withdrawal, we need to figure out how to execute it so this date does not continue to get pushed further and further. Also, in reality, the whole what's fifteen billion more dollars added to the debt comment is so true. You figure, the US is already so deep in debt that putting ourselves further in the hole to try and bring our troops, that would be costing us tons of money added to the debt anyway, back home where they can be safe and sound with their families and friends. That is all I hope for, which is to bring the men and women serving their country in Afghanistan back home safe.
ReplyDeleteDeanna A 1/2
I'm very happy that the US is finally geting out of Afghanistan. It's great that the US wants to help them out over there, but we've been there way too long so it's time that we leave. However, I think that we shouldn't wait untill 2014 to start leaving, we should be planning and preparing now so that in 2014 we can be out of there.
ReplyDelete-Tamara
In my opinion, NATO and the United States should withdraw their combat troops from Afghanistan and give the task of security back to the Afghanistan government. However, I also believe it wasn't America's job to be there in the first place. We have wasted too much time and money on a situation that many people believe will never end. If America is serious about withdrawing all troops from Afghanistan, then a better plan is needed. Currently the plan is very vague. Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen even said in the interview that the people in charge of the situation "haven't sat down and done that detailed work right now, There's just too much uncertainty between now and then." If the government is uncertain about it then we should all be uncertain about it too. Three years is a long period of time. Obama will be out of his first term as president, and who knows if he will be elected again. We can't assume that the next president will want to follow these plans presented by the Obama administration. Also, as stated in the interview, almost 60,000 more troops have been deployed to Afghanistan since the start of the Obama administration. That does not look like a country that wants to remove their troops to me. Furthermore, the troops were sent with the intention of keeping peace, however most of the 60,000 troops sent over are combat forces. The situation is very contradicting of itself. I do believe that our troops should be removed from Afghanistan, but I don't think it is possible in the time limit that the Obama administration has set.
ReplyDelete-Amie Diamond (A 1-2)
I was a little skeptical when I heard the NATO plans on pulling out troops and hanging it over to the afghanistan government. Although excellent in theory, I am unsure it will be as easy as it came across in the articles. If for instance, they start to pull out and they realize it isnt working, are they going to install more troops? What if after the Americans completely leave and chaos breaks out, would we start another war? They also make a couple of contradicting statements. They said that the plan on pulling out the troops and slowly handing power back over to afghanistan power. However, in their statement, they then said that if it creates problems, they will have to postpone the original term of troops and keep them longer? Now hoe does that make sense? In the end, I believe that they have the right idea, but they need to work out some kinks first.
ReplyDeleteSam F (p. 3.4)
My thoughts are that the NATO and the United States need to withdraw their combat troops from Afghanistan so that the Afghanistan nation can take control with handling their own issues. America as done quite enough with "helping" and "aiding" other countries. If I'm correct, the United States has it's own problems. How are we, as a nation, supposed to help American if we are off in other countries being the good guy. I understand America is a nation that loves to help out where needed; it's a beautiful melting pot, but we need to boost ourselves up before we can boost up other people. What is done is done, though. Fact is we are in Afghanistan and now we have to deal with the effects, such as- what are we going to do about the soldiers and combat forces? Well, in my opinion, the combat troops should be evacuated out of the European country and reunite with their home country. We have been in Afghanistan for years now and improvement in the country shows, but over a span of many years. There is only so much we can do to help and I think it's time that we face facts and get our troops out of there. The "drop dead" plan, as referred to in the Newscast, needs to be put into action. 2014 I think is a great goal and needs to be properly executed by the right people for it to work. The transition period needs to start now. Whether or not Afghanistan is successful without the help of the United States is up to them. If they succeed, great. If not, we cannot be the blame. America tried and with a little leverage, hopefully Afghanistan does not fail.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Krupa
It's about time America realizes that we as a country are not helping anyone by being in Afghanistan. This country has been killing its own man and wasting its own time. I feel they are under estimating how expensive and how much effort they will have to use to get all our men out of Afghanistan. I highly doubt they will get our men out of there by 2014, not with the unsupportive population and with the grave we dug for ourselves financially.
ReplyDelete-Tiffany Medina
When the U.S.A. went into Afghanistan we were in much more of a stable financial state. The U.S.A. was a super power among the world’s nations and still is powerful today. Though I do understand that most people think that the U.S.A. needs to stop worrying about other country’s problems and start working on their problem own, I cannot totally ignore, or disagree with the other view towards the U.S.A.’s helping of other countries. Imagine the U.S.A. as a billionaire; people look onto the wealthy to help those in need by lending their support and giving the less fortunate opportunities they would most likely not have without their donations. Even if this billionaire had problems, they still have more means than the less fortunate and since they have the mean to help they are expected to. If the U.S.A kept all of their resources to themselves, the other countries would look at them as greedy and unwilling to share the wealth. However, I do think that the U.S.A. has been in Afghanistan for too long. I think the goal of leaving Afghanistan by 2014 is very possible, but a concrete plan must first be created.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to say whether or not the U.S should exit the war-torn lands of Afghanistan. On one side, if the U.S. army leaves Afghanistan, then our soliders would be saved (for now) and families in our country would be reunited. However, the Al Quaida in Afgahnistan will still attack us whether we leave the war or not. Also, thousands of Afghanistan citizens will be left in the hands of a previously proven uneffective goverment. Therefore, I do not know what America should do in this situation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with mostly everything Naim says. There clearly is no right or wrong answer because both could end up with extreme consequences. Although Al Qaeda could be very dangerous, i do not believe that at this moment, we can make a decision based on what they say because unfortunately, they are unreliable and could erupt in any situation. While expanding on the ideas i can know see why this is such a controversial issue.
ReplyDeleteIt's really funny how I was thinking about the troops in Afghanistan today and how much the U.S. has really gotten involved. I think it's great that the combat troops are basically being taken out. So... this typically means most of the soldiers are going back home? If that is definitely the case, then AMEN. It is about time that they finally are able to return home, but the fact that they have to wait 3+ years for their return to America is pretty ridiculous. Question is: what's going to happen in Afghanistan after the combat troops leave? Will this war still be going on? If so, then I don't even know what's a smart move on America's part: taking the troops out or leaving them there.
ReplyDelete- Emily Fernandez A 1/2
I definitely agree with Emily 100%. 2014 is a goal, but it is so far away (3+ years)! The transition period,when the troops are being evacuated, should not take that long. I understand that the best way to execute the plan is to do everything slowly and annually check the process, but that is not good enough. Whether our American troops are taken out gradually or all at once, it is in Afghanistan's hands to fix any problems they seem to have. I say get our troops out of there, check Afghanistan's status periodically and work on the issues within our own nation.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Krupa
When America first went over to afghanistan we were in a better financial state, however officials watched our debt increase for years and were to stubborn to end it. The media makes it look like we were out in Afghanistan for good, when it was all a complete selfish act to make America look good, to take oil, and not fix anything. We've been arranging our own funeral for to long, and with the way the officials work together will probably still be stuck out there for another six years. The government doesn't know how to work together anymore. I don't know what made them think that they could fix a country that has had problems for longer then America has existed, when we can hardly fix ourselves.
ReplyDelete-Tiffany Medina
I completely agree with Tiffany and Na'im. The amount of hatred is too much to just turn out backs and just walk out. They will attack without a doubt. Why wouldn't they? I think American has dug its grave in a sense. Even though they said if we don't leave there WILL be more bloodshed we still have to protect ourselves. Even though this might be almost impossible we should attempt to make peace in efforts to protect ourselves maybe.In th end we should not have been there in the first place but we also have to be careful when we leave and watch our backs.
ReplyDeleteBecause it's thought that they are still going to attack... is that why they are using those "powerful machines". I don't remember the name of them, but the guy did say something about having those machines. That was the only part that confused me.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty pointless, almost, to take the combat troops out of Afghanistan if the war were to just continue and would be in need of combat troops anyway. This is just a continuous circle and no one wins it seems. Neither option of extracting the troops or leaving them there seem to be the right one. Both have their pros and cons and I am not sure which one weighs heavier on the pros side.
- Emily Fernandez A 1/2
Having the combat troops out by 2014 is an exceptional goal. As Mike Mullen mentioned, there are currently about 100,000 troops in Afghanistan. I, personally, do not agree with the fact that there are troops there at all but strictly speaking about the current situation, 2014 is a great goal. I understand taking out combat troops and therefore settling the minds of civilians but bringing in tanks? The Marines claimed that they needed that extra bit of support. How is slowly pulling out troops, beginning in spring, going to be affected by giant, "cold war" tanks roaming around. In addition, Mullen said that the government hadn't thought out details. Where do you expect to go without knowing every bit of detail? This not only involves the United States. It involves Afghanistan, the troops, the civilians and millions of other people.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the troops should be pulled out of Afghanistan, but I also believe that the details should be sorted out.
Heather Ullery
Heres the thing. Governments always sets goals about troop witdrawl. however, when have any of the recent war goals been met. Now it's NATO whos setting the goal. Well thats great, but I still dont think the troops are going to be out of there. In fact, I really don't think anything will have changed by 2014. Thats only three years way. Theres no way the troops will be out of there.
ReplyDeleteWill Apicella
Everytime I watch one of these videos, they always promise to bring home our troops. However, all that happens in reality is that more and more troops get deployed. It is hard for me to believe the promise that 2014 holds. I would love to believe that our troops will be safe at home but i cannot ignore our current financial situation. Nor can i ignore the various terrorist groups that reside throughout the Middle East. 2014 is just three years away, and the man in the video had no information regarding a plan whatsoever. I hope that the American government pulls through and keeps this promise.
ReplyDeleteLoren Sass
As others have said, our troops have been their way too long. It would be amazing if they could get them all out of there by 2014. Assuming they start right now, I feel that it would be possible to get them out by then, maybe even earlier. What concerns me though is the possibility of delaying these plans AGAIN. I feel as though they might change it and stay there, just because they feel war is necessary. Is 9 years not enough? Our soldiers should have been out there a long time ago. This war (and wars in general) should have never started because it costs money and lives for them.
ReplyDelete~Athena Chiu
I agree with Loren, this is not the first time the United States has said that they will have troops out by a certain date. Though I think the goal of withdrawing all of the troop from Afghanistan is possible. It will only occur if the United States first lays out a clear exit plan.
ReplyDeleteEven after watching this interview, personally I still find it hard to believe that our country will execute this "withdrawal of troops" successfully. I believe this is another wonderful example of America taking on more than it can handle, as it usually does. It is an absolute shame that this war has lasted so long with such little results and now to subject our troops to another 3 or more years? It’s ridiculous. I really hope I will be proven wrong but given America's track record and our weakened government I will be pleasantly surprised to see our troops come home by 2014. This war has taken a toll on so many American families and since I personally do not have any family members helping in the war effort I don’t think it would be right for me to criticize too harshly. But, my heart does go out to those families who know people who our brave enough to go and protect (or help how ever you would want to phrase it) our country. Whether the reasons be good bad or indifferent the troops in Afghanistan are making a difference more than what we are doing sitting at home texting or on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteEven though I think that this plan of American troops being brought home by 2014 will not succeed within the given time frame I pray that it does to bring some peace of mind to all those who have suffered because of this war.
Sukii
Suraija Agosto (A1-2)
I agree with Sukii. America claiming to get all the combat troops out by 2014 is yet another example of how much America takes on and how little it succeeds in achieving its goals. The point that bothers me though, is the fact that troops will still be in Afghanistan, although they will apparently not be "combat" troops. I understand wanting to help build up the government and whatnot like we did in Cuba, but leaving troops there will not necessarily help build it. How would we feel if we had troops stationed all over our country who had killed our families for months? How would we feel if only SOME of them left and the others were left to "help" us? We would be angry. Now I hope America can figure out what it needs to do in order to reduce repercussions as much as possible, but as of now, that seems unlikely.
ReplyDeleteHeather Ullery
I believe that it is a fantastic goal for us to demploy the troops by 2014. America has been in that country for too long "fighting the war on terror". Finally, we have a President that is competent enough to see how we have not only hurt ourselves but hurt many people in the country of Afghanistan. I am bothered with the fact that the troops will stay to "help" the country be stable. I know America always wants to lend a "helping hand" but usually what they do is just make things more complicated. America is in SOOO many proablems due to this decision to go to war. Most of our expenses are because we HAD to fight this war. I cannot wait for the day the war is offically over. We have been fighting to long to accomplish "peace". But, there is no way we can accomplish peace by killing eachother and by killing inoccent civilians. War is NEVER a good thing even if it is to "fight for peace and to end terror". Fighting will never bring about peace because it always brings about anger. But, I am glad that the troops will finally be reunited with there familys after so long. Maybe soon we can enjoy some sort of peace...until the next "war" we have to "fight" or the next country we have to save.
ReplyDeleteCamila Bermudez (p.3/4)
I think it'd be amazing to get our troops out of Afganistan by 2014, however I highly doubt it's going to happen. America tends to set unrealistic goals for itself. There is still a war going on, and it was mentioned that since Obama came into office more troops have been sent in. That is not a way to try and end the war and pull our troops out. If anything, it is just getting further and further away from what we are trying to achieve.
ReplyDeleteColette Boan
In all honesty, i don't know if there will be a positive or negative outcome in this situation. By pulling out the troops from Afghanistan, yes we will be completing a task that we have been trying to for years, but we will also be leaving hundreds of helpless citizens in the care of a failed government. Also, i was doing some extra research and came across an article stating that the NATO force commander in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, is "reportedly resistant to the idea of a withdrawal deadline". How is the NATO going to pull troops of Afghanistan by a certain deadline if the NATO commander in Afghanistan is opposing it? To me, that's ridiculous. The deadline will not be completed if the NATO general in Afghanistan with the troops is against the plan. When you think about all of these things as a whole, I think it is safe to say that the U.S has gotten themselves into predicament and does not know how to get out of it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tiffany, partly, that America had no business going into Afghanistan because we have our own problems in our own country to deal with. Problems such as poverty, violence, and social injustices have plauged our country for years, and we have ignored these problems to focus on another country's problems. Howwever, it's hard to say that if I were President Bush at the time I would have ignored another country's cry for help and ignored a potential threat against America. Like I previously stated this is a touchy issue, but I think if there were any other things that could be done for Afghanistan besides war, then they should have been done. However, like Eminem said,"No more blood for oil! We got our own battles to fight on our own soil."
ReplyDeleteI believe that a GOAL of removing troops from Afghanistan by 2014 is a great idea, but I highly doubt that it will be achieved. There have been many times that the U.S has wanted to take out troops but it has never happened. I think that it will probably happen but not as soon as they are assuming. They are just looking at it as a goal and I don't think they are realizing how much work it actually is to remove the troops without causing more problems.
ReplyDeleteSydney Rosenberg
Why are we in Afghanistan anyway? I don't keep up with these kind of things even though I know I should. I agree with Colette, I think our troops CAN be back by 2014, but will it happen? I also agree with Na'im, I think that America should focus on its own issues as opposed to a country on the other side of the world. I do think that NATO and the United States should withdraw our troops and bring them home where they belong. This is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteOh and its me, Jada. Sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteI do not understand. All of the combat forces will be removed but there will still be american troops there to assist and to train. Train who? Why? What for? I just do not understand where that came from. It seems like a way of saying that they will continue to have troops there but think that by changing the name for the general public, that no one will question that little remark. There are still 50,000 US forces in Iraq, although all of the combat forces have been removed. I understand that the troops that are in Iraq now are not fighting or that they are not supposed to be but i still feel it is a way of giving the public what it wants a bit while letting the government continue to do what it wants. What is all of this training that they keep referring to and why is it our responsibility? And then we are sending them firepower? i just do not agree. And na'im, I love your eminem quote. : ) i do feel that we do not pay enough attention to what's going on in our own backyards and we are always being nosy across town. I just do not like being lied to.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laura. If they want to get troops out of there then why are there troops still there to "train." The fact that any troops at all are there is going to make the other country mad. It's the same way of thinking, how would you feel if an army came into your country and tried to change things. The country isn't going to want our help. So we should just leave them alone.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Na'im. America should deal with it's own issues and problems before trying to solve someone else's. It's hard to ignore someone calling out for help, but how can you help them if you need to focus on yourself. We should get the troops out of Afganistan, but I think 2014 is too close of a time to be able to attain this goal. Hopefully it will happen a couple of years down the line.
ReplyDeleteColette Boan
I agree with Laura. Though there aren't any combat forces in Iraq, there are still some. And why can't we bring our troops home NOW? Or does it just not work that way? Let me know, because I'm CLUELESS about the way war works. Also, why train other troops if we're trying to get our troops back home? Does that make sense? There is enough going on here for us to be worrying about somewhere in "West Bubble". If they want the troops home so bad, they'd be here already. So they shouldn't say you want them here in 2014 if they're not going to be here because they're wasting people's time, and getting our hopes up for absolutely nothing. -__-
ReplyDelete-- Jada
I think NATO has the right idea in trying to pull forces out of Afghanistan by 2014. I understand that it had to be a gradual process, and I also understand the need for combat trooops to "train and assist." If the U.S. was to just pull out all of our troops, including the combat troops, it would leave Afghanistan defenseless defeatig the whole purpose of being there. The biggest flaw I see in this plan has to do more with the fact that NATO aren't certain of much, it seems. I don't understand how they plan on getting troops out by a certain year when the man being interviewed can't give a general estimation, or something at least, to know what military footprint will be left in Afghanistan in 2014. For me, it's hard to judge and choose a side when the finer details don't seem to be worked out.
ReplyDelete- Elissa Rodeny-Joseph
I believe that the goal for 2014 is a great idea. Afghanistan probably needed help back then, and it was good that the US helped them. However, they are their own country and, now that they had a good amount of time with the US, Afghanistan has received an example for how to take action and it is their turn to take control. Plus, it's not like the US is leaving Afghanistan abruptly setting them up for failure and destruction. The US is slowly leaving providence by providence. Also, the US will still be there to help if needed. Afghanistan is just getting the responsibility they deserve. With the slow transition, the plan to withdraw US combat forces in Afghanistan will be a great change. The US has more than they need to worry about.
ReplyDeleteLeah Estillero
I agree with Leah on the US is not leaving Afghanistan so suddenly. They're leaving slowly and yes, they will still be there for a limited amount of time to help (which may also delay the 2014 estimated date of all the soldiers taken out). But, even if the soldiers did leave suddenly, I feel as though maybe Afghanistan has learned a thing or two from the past 9 or so years and can govern and take care of themselves. They may not be as helpless as people may think.
ReplyDelete~Athena Chiu
THE GREAT DEBATE AT THE AFGHANS’ GATE
ReplyDeleteIt is crucially important to note, akin to almost everyone else, all forms of fighting as well as war in its entirety are utterly devastating, destructive, and violent wastes of human energy. It is a sheer disgrace that the world we live in today, the maternally nurturing Mother Earth which is approximately 4.55 billion years old, is still being flooded and swamped by the monsoonal tsunamis and hurricanes in which we call “War.” Who would have thought mankind would still be fighting and warring to this very day in order to solve its problems, despite more than four thousand years of evolution, gaining intelligence, and learning from the mistakes of others? After watching the given CNN video I felt such powerful emotion that compelled me to leap for joy. Our troops are finally going to return to us; there will be no more lives taken there and/or put at risk anymore! Such a beautiful sentiment indeed, yet what is the probability of such an occurrence happening? All of us have been dreaming, anticipating… waiting for this miracle to happen, alas, the statistical likelihood of it is in truth quite small. In the video, Candy Crowley was told that 2014 will be when the U.S. “hopes” to finally withdraw its troops from the mountainous desert terrain of Afghanistan and leave everything else to NATO. However, the U.S. will still have some troops there to train the Afghan army and whatnot. Our country’s officials, politicians, and our country itself have been promising to relieve our troops of their duties in Afghanistan for less than a decade; hopefully one understands that this entry is not trying to sound cynical on purpose. I wish what you wish. I wish for our troops to come home safely, it is just that there will always be some number of our troops there, to help “keep the peace” or “manage” something. In fact, throughout all of these years Afghanistan has become most well known because of our as well as many other countries’ troops’ living quarters set up there. Pay close attention. If you believe that I bare false witness think again. Go to Google.com and click “Images.” After that, type in the word “Afghanistan.” Make sure that your SafeSearch filter is on “Moderate” so as not to encounter any inappropriate content;P. Once on the images page, look at what you see. In the first ten images there are: some maps, a terrestrial picture, and a flag (each of which is a given), a picture of some Afghani people, and most importantly, a few pictures of military and military escapades in the country. Remember this. Most countries are known for their food, landmarks, or style of dress, but if a country is most known for war and troops encamped there, then we really have a problem.
~~~ Monsieur Ράϊαν Κίελος ~~~
I think that withdrawing most of the troops out by 2014 is a reasonable goal. The U.S. has helped out for so long there and it's time that the control learns to take control for themselves. Its good that the U.S. will be slowly backing off and not just abruptly. There will of course be problems following up afterward, but there will be some troops left to help train. It seems like this plan could really work, but thinking back to when they wanted to withdraw the troops from Iraq by a certain year, I'm not so sure the U.S. will actually withdraw our troops from Afghanistan by 2014.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that it will be a bitter sweet feeling to have the troops leave Afghanistan. i feel this way because while the troops are there they are restoring more order to the country, but as soon as u.s. troops leave it might go back to being as a bad as it was. But to have the troops home by 2014 will definitely be great because families, friends, and many others have been affected by a loved one so far away!I'm just worried that there will be difficulties leaving. I believe president Obama said the troops would be back by 2012, and obviously that is not the case anymore. Therefore I do not know how serious we are about getting our troops back in America so we can recover
ReplyDeletePulling out our troops and bringing an end to that those combat and warlike states is what should happen, simply because quite frankly so many Americans agree our time there has finished. So in actuality there is a need for us to move out of land which isn't ours to handle, and reflect on our own issues at hand. Being we were there for 9 years or so, it seems as though we've done our part to try and instill some sense of what it means to properly govern oneself. With all that being said its clear there is not much more left for us to do other than loiter and baby sit. Thus this NATO plan seems to be a good idea.
ReplyDelete-Chelsea Hernandez
Wow. I did not think I would actually take the time to do it, but I read Ryan's entire entry. I must congratulate him. That last part where he said to look on google images and type "Afghanistan", that was so touching, and I can definitely see where he's coming from. It is extremely terrible if a country is mostly associated with war, and that does mean something must be wrong. As Afghanistan learns to work out their own problems, maybe they can find better solutions for their war issues and bring it all to an end. And just maybe, the US being in Afghanistan has caused more problems, not only for them, but for the US as well. The more the US puts itself in danger for others and the more it desires to be victorious, the more troops are lost in war. Nine years is a lot of time to pass, especially in war. Think about it. One day, a man can leave the day after his baby is born, and nine years later, come back to his baby boy grown - riding a bike, speaking, and not even recognizing his own father. With the US troops coming home, Afghanistan can get the control and power they deserve and the US can get their own citizens back home safe. As myscar27 said, it might be a difficult transition and possibly the bad may come back to Afghanistan. However, when are things ever easy? One day you have to let them stand on their own two feet. The US will still be there, just not holding their hands along the way.
ReplyDelete^^^^
ReplyDeleteLeah Estillero
To what Na'im said Afghanistan never asked for our help. Yes, they were in a horrible state but, America just tried to push themselves into the country for alternative motives *wink* oil *wink* for America *nudge nudge*. It happend the same with Cuba and the Phillipines. I agree with Chelsea and Colette.
ReplyDeleteTo what Colette said :
America always has set unrealistic goals. They want todo something but, it gets dragged out till the last possible minute. I am a little bewildered at the fact that they are sending more troops. Yes, the war for is over what is not over is the constant killing. I have forgotten over the years why we are fighting. Are we fighting a war on terror? Are we fighting for peace? Are we fighting to get rid of the Taliban? Now adays all there is is war. Response to Chelsea's Post:
I agree it has been 9 years since we began this war and it really has gotten us no where. But, I do not think America should be showing anyone how to run a Government at this point in the game. Maybe for once we should focus on ourselves instead of focusing on someone else.
Honestly,(tangent point) if Bush had NEVER become President we would not be in this proablem. WE are today in debut due to this war he started in IRAQ! Where there was no Taliban at the time...They were in Afghanistan! But, by the time Bush realized this. The Taliban had pushed themselves into Pakistan. Now, their power is spreading and it is a HORRIBLE thing. No one deserves to live in a threatened society and NO ONE deserves to be scared that a certain group will attack them.
I do feel we should help the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Iran because they are being oppressed by the Taliban(who are gaining control over so many places). I do believe we need to help them to rebuild their country since we blew basically all of it up. I believe though America needs to rebuild themselves first.
But, the one remaining question of today is...is there such a thing as a just war?
Camila Bermudez
I agree with Sukii that this war has already lasted way to long. If I'm not mistaken, we stopped fighting just to kill a while ago, and for quite some time, our troops have been working to relieve the people of Afghanistan from their poor, struggling system of government. Sukii also brought up the point that our "track record" has not led us many places before. Every time a statement goes out that we are bring the troops home, it seems that more troops go out. It is unfair to the families who have lost husbands, brothers, fathers, wives, daughters, sisters, and friends. Even the troops that do come back are changed forever. I think we need to bring the troops home, but whether the government will pull through is up in the air.
ReplyDelete-Taylor Novello
I agree with Taylor. It's great our troops have stopped fighting just to kill and I also think it's great how we are trying to help the people of Afghanistan. We've just been over there for so long and it really is enough. We are fortunate to live in a country thats able to help many other countries in war, and who knows what would have happened if we didn;t involve ourselves in other countries, but at some point, enough is a enough, and it's time for American troops to come home.
ReplyDeleteI believe NATO and the United States should withdraw troops from Afghanistan. I believe we've been there long enough. We can't keep trying to help other countries' governments. Our nation has its own problems to deal with. The country is spending needed money in war affairs with Afghanistan as well. Overall, I believe troops should be withdrawn soon if not immediately.
ReplyDelete-Dan Stein
I agree with Tamara and taylor in the fact that the beauty of this all is that our troops would stop fighting to kill. And like the rest of us pretty much seem to feel, our time there is done. So all in all, the NATO plan for 2014 seems like a good idea and should be done.
ReplyDelete-Chelsea Hernandez
I think the NATO plan to take the troops out of Afghanistan is an execellent idea. Its about time that our troops come home. Personally, i don't think the US should into Afganistan in the first place. The US's main goals should be to take care Of our own problems
ReplyDeletei personally think that america needs to bring our troops home. because we really arent making anything better to me. i dont even think we should have been tthere in the first place. and what exactly are we doing there anyway? because it seems like we are just sitting and chilling there. so basically loved ones are sent away and put into a foreign country...FOR WHAT? i never thought that troops should have been sent. and if it had nothing to do with us in the first place, why did we even get involved. its like two girla having issues and a third girl trying to force herself into it. now she is caught in a position that had nothing to do with jer. and thats where i think america is now. send our troops home!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brianna. My previous post talks about how goals are set and never actually reached. I want to focus on the positive. Let's bring the troops home. Maybe if the goal were ankles realistic one like a 7 year deadline or something. Also, I have one last thing to say. People keep on mentioning America. Keep In mind that NATO refers to all of N. America and not just the US
ReplyDeleteWill Apicella
I agree with Dan. Our country is in a state of economic emergency, and we are wasting time and money in Afghanistan. We have wasted enough. It is time that they come home.
ReplyDeleteLoren
I think the plan is a great idea. We've had troops in Afghanistan long enough and I'm glad there's finally a plan to bring them home. It would be great if they could come home sooner, but I think it's great that they've set a specific time to start sending troops home and I hope the plan goes the way they want it to.
ReplyDeleteAudrey Romano
I agree with what Leah said that the US has more than they need to worry about. It is great that the US wants to help and now that they have done their job, they can now leave the country and worry about what is going on in our own country.
ReplyDelete-Julia Hodczak
I'm happy to hear that they plan to bring the troops home in 2014. Although it's a few years away, it's a realistic goal. I do believe that America should help countries in need such as Afghanistan, but we've been there far too long. I agree with Camila's point that America needs to deal with its own issues before dedicating so much time, money, and effort to foreign affairs. Afghanistan needs to take what they've learned from American troops over the past 9 years and begin to stand on its own feet. We tried to help, we've done what we can, but it's time to withdraw from Afghanistan and let everyone take care of themselves.
ReplyDeleteJackie Weisser
I completely agree with Heather. If the US is claiming to be pulling out of Afghanistan, then why are more troops and tanks being deployed for "extra support"? Clearly the government feels that Afghanistan is not ready for our troops to leave and have control of their own security. Our government feels that Afghanistan will be ready by 2014, however if they don't feel Afghanistan is ready right now, how do we know that 2014 will be the year they are ready? Also, the tanks recently sent over to Afghanistan undermine the government's concept of having a "cold war." The US government needs to think about the situation more clearly because currently they are contradicting themselves. Pulling out from Afghanistan will be a significant achievement for our country and Afghanistan, but in order for that to happen our government needs a more specific plan.
ReplyDelete-Amie Diamond (A 1-2)
I agree with Amie about the U.S. government sending in more tanks. It seems very contradicting that they would do so. However, the withdrawal is going to be a transition and that's why it is going to take 3 years. Before the troops withdraw, America wants to make sure Afghanistan is ready to support itself. The U.S. government believes that sending in more troops will help this effort. I also agree with Amie that the government needs a more specific plan and stronger justification for sending in tanks. The U.S. government should be slowly withdrawing, not adding any other factors.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Jackie said about it being a realistic goal to bring troops home by 2014. They should definitely not rush into such a huge decision and should be taking their time. I also agree with Jackie that the government needs a more specific plan instead of just vaguely saying that they'll be out by 2014 and not having a definite plan yet.
ReplyDeleteAudrey
CONTINUED FROM BEFORE…
ReplyDeleteThankfully, the current event respondents are starting to truly realize the complexity of the issue at hand. We should commend the many individuals who decided to play Devil’s Advocate and really ask “Why,” or “What if…?” For example, many inspiring and well said points had come from Heather as well as Amie who had agreed with Heather’s comments and went into further response. They are absolutely correct in that the U.S. government says they will pull out of Afghanistan in 2014, and yet the government feels the need to send in more tanks and more war contraptions. Is the government sending in all of its forces into Afghanistan now in order to ensure that the country [Afghanistan] is stable by the time of 2014, or is the government in actuality rushing things (as well as itself) a little too quickly in order to be able to make it by its planned deadline? Obviously, telling the public media a specific date is all fine and dandy, however, it becomes increasingly frivolous of the government to set such an impractical deadline that will not be necessarily adhered to. At this very moment the war goes on, and until the troops are home safely the war will continue to further itself. Furthermore, the government cannot evade the press with its excuses for too long or else have the press become wise to its shenanigans.
~~~ Monsieur Ράϊαν Κίελος ~~~
Just in 2008, President Obama had told us that by 2012 they expected to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Months later after being elected into office they said the plan was already making progress and that there were high hopes that by 2012 all will be resolved. Now they bumped it up by 2 years! Perhaps the initiative they were taking before was ineffective. But, they said by sending in more troops and later beginning to back out would resolve the problem. Obviously, there plan was incorrect and yet they still continue to deploy more tanks. I also agree with Amie in the fact that it seems that they don't have a specific plan ready. Mike Mullen in the beginning in the interview sounded a bit unsure of when exactly they were going to start in the spring and how exactly they were planning on doing it. Will they be able to have a confirmed plan on how to pull out in 3-5 months? Time is running and with that so is our money. NATO must have thought out a better plan as to how to bring back home our troops before announcing a date. So will they once again disappoint our hopes in 2012 by pushing the deadline to a later date? Or will NATO come together in the next 3-5 months with an effective plan? That's what I hope will be answered in the coming months.
ReplyDeleteAs Cladia said, I personally do not have much confidence in the "course of action" as one has not been laid out. In my opinion, this is a complete mess. They do not know what is going on and it does not seem that their genuine goal is to remove the troops. Perhaps I am being naive about it or not looking at the big picture but, they do not seem rushed. 2014? That is three years from this december. Why will it take three years? I think it frustrates me that he does not explain anything and he uses vague words in order to make up for the fact that he is not saying that much. It just leaves me very weary and unsure. I really don't like things like this because there are always excuses and something always happens suddenly that wasn't expected; but that's life and they should learn how to be able to continue on their plan from before instead of constantly revising it after already promising the people (American citizens) so much. This will be another broken promise to me.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Laura! And imagine all of the hopes that will be destroyed if this plan fails. Little kids waiting for their mother or father to return home. As well as all of the families out there with troops in Afghanistan. Clearly, our government once again wants to fool us into thinking that they're resolving problems when they truly aren't.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laura I don not feel our government is doing enough to get our troops back mostly because we are so unorganized. I believe the troops were supposed to be back in 2012 and now the date is pushed for 2 more years! My heart goes out to the young children that don't know how their parent(s) are doing because they are thousands of miles away!
ReplyDeleteAaron
The government is being quite vague with their decision to remove combat troops in 2014. It seems as though they're merely hoping, fingers crossed, if the stars all align that this will be possible. The government is giving themself a goal but no realistic way to achieve that goal. They have no plan that they have specifically stated, and the man being interviewed practically said "we haven't sat down" to talk about it. Were they just talking one day and said "2014, that sounds good!"? It's cruel to get people's hopes up in that way. Didn't Obama even mention an earlier date in his State of the Union address this past January? I think it would be wonderful for combat troops to be removed by 2014, but I would like to know how we intend to make that happen. The way the government is talking, it seems to make no difference whether we remove them in 2014 or now because there is no specific course of action to lead us to believe that things will be any different 4 years from now. Also, it seems clear that a large amount of troops will still remain in Afghanistan even after combat troops have been removed. And even though these troops will not be fighting, their lives will still be at risk everyday. I just long for the day when these wars are over. I can only vaguely remember what it felt like to live in this country when it was not at war.
ReplyDelete-John Patterson
I think having combat troops out of Afghanistan by 2014 is a fantastic goal to have. Giving security control to the government of Afghanistan is definitely a huge step for everyone, but I don't know how rational it is. Considering the number of troops we have there right now, to get them all out in three years seems a bit extraordinary. It also doesn't seem like the government is too sure of themselves. In the video, every time a question was asked about specific ways to get troops out, it was not responded to with a definitive answer. This leads me to personally believe that the government has this idea and wants to give people a sense of hope without having any specific plans at this time.
ReplyDelete-Rachel