Is it really worth it?

[Lesley]

Well surprisingly and interstingly enough, I apprecate seeing/reading your opinion.

As for the US presence in Germany and other bases through out the world. Active conflict and/or implementaion of captialism, democracy etc isn't the true purpose right? Are they not there in part and in conjuction with the local Gov't because of the strategic locations?

[GirlMom]

Originally Posted by Lesley

The US has not declared any war with the Taliban.... that I am aware of.

But wasn't an Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, the place where Al Quaida thrived?

[intheknow]

Originally Posted by Lesley

Well surprisingly and interstingly enough, I apprecate seeing/reading your opinion.

As for the US presence in Germany and other bases through out the world. Active conflict and/or implementaion of captialism, democracy etc isn't the true purpose right? Are they not there in part and in conjuction with the local Gov't because of the strategic locations?

Many of our bases are there because of strategic reasons. Our presence in japan after the war was to force them to change their government and become a democracy. Consequently, their royalty became maginalized, have less power than the monarchy in England. We forced them into democracy by our might. Likewise we forced Germany to change too. Notice how both of these countries became incredibly successful capitalist countries after the war and notie how their citizens became free and VERY prosperous! That prosperity came partly (IMO) because they were TOTALLY conquered and then rebuilt. Their national spirit was CRUSHED and then rebuilt with new values. That didn't and will not happen in Iraq.

In the age of electronic warfare, ICBMs, supersonic bombers and such, I question our need for many of our overseas bases.

[intheknow]

Another question:

What about the horrible nature of the way the Taliban treats its women and girls? Any thoughts about liberating them? Where are the feminists? Why haven't they been screaming about that like they have about so many other things that seem so trvial in comparison?

[RobinL]

Originally Posted by intheknow

Another question:

What about the horrible nature of the way the Taliban treats its women and girls?

Does anyone else remember this email? Please read it. snopes.com: Afghani Women Petition
I received it years ago and I still remember it. Another viral email? Even snopes says it's true. I think it's horrendous, but I also don't generally think that it's right to bomb a country over human rights. We didn't attack over the rights of women there, did we? That's not why we're there. It had no bearing on our actions. We pretty much ignored them, the women, didn't we?

[Lesley]

Originally Posted by intheknow

Another question:

What about the horrible nature of the way the Taliban treats its women and girls? Any thoughts about liberating them? Where are the feminists? Why haven't they been screaming about that like they have about so many other things that seem so trvial in comparison?

For my sensibilities it is horrid and nasty. Just as the gang rape of a 15 yo in the US (with witnesses that couldn't be bothered to call police or step in) seems to reflect somthing nasty and sinister and degrading toward women. BUT I do not think it is a cause for the military to take on. While we have problems at home, there is plenty here to address. The US is falling down the international scale with regards to it's treatment of women.

[Lesley]

Originally Posted by GirlMom

But wasn't an Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, the place where Al Quaida thrived?

Al Q is an opportunistic group isn't it. It finds a foot hold where it may be it under Taliban rule or not. Look at today's comments by SoS Clinton, wondering why Pakistan is allowing Al Q to set up shop.

IMO, US's fight is with Al Q and should remain steadfast in that direction. I do understand your concern that Taliban offered safe haven. But in my mind it is very much a chicken or egg scenario as to what will finally destroy Al Quaida. Getting rid of Al Q directly or eliminating their havens one stone at a time. I just happen to think it's best to eliminate as much as possible the root cause of AlQ...and that is AlQ leadership itself.

[BC-Maura]

Originally Posted by intheknow

Where are the feminists? Why haven't they been screaming about that like they have about so many other things that seem so trvial in comparison?

What do feminists "scream about" that seems so trivial to you?

++++++++++++++
Maura

[LandJ]

Originally Posted by Lesley

The US is falling down the international scale with regards to it's treatment of women.

What does that mean?

[BC-NanceLee]

You know, Les, I disagree with you on this one. Afghanistan is where we went first and should have STAYED. Yes, that is where the stronghold of the attackers was and is still largely based. Afghanistan has been a mess for decades due to western and russian interference. The work being done there today, and in Pakistan by the Pakistanis, finally, is work that must be done.

Is it costly? Hell yes. Is it FAR more costly and protracted than it should have been, due to our detour into Iraq under false pretenses? Dam*ned straight. But we have got to do this right, finally.