| Why We Must Rethink Afghanistan |
 |
 |
We all want to feel safe and secure, and know that our taxpayer dollars are not wasted on perpetual wars that create new enemies. Unfortunately, our occupation of Afghanistan destabilizes the region, breeds new enemies, and makes us less secure. For these reasons, we must support an exit strategy to bring our troops home. Jane Harman recently voted to spend another $100 billion dollars to continue the occupation of Iraq, ship more troops to Afghanistan, and send drones to rain bombs on Pakistan, a fragile nuclear-armed nation. This is wrong and dangerous. 
When I talk to people at neighborhood gatherings, some say we cannot afford to leave Afghanistan. In fact, my opponent argues we must eradicate corruption there because – ‘... the United States has invested too many troops and too much treasure to fail.’ The truth is we cannot afford to stay in Afghanistan because we will bankrupt our country. Every trillion spent to occupy Iraq or Afghanistan is a trillion robbed from universal health care, quality education, and jobs in the emerging Green economy. Investing at home will provide far greater security.Besides, war and occupation breed corruption, so a policy of escalation in Afghanistan is at cross-purposes. If we really want to eradicate corruption in Afghanistan, then we should invest in humanitarian aid, not weapons that will kill innocent people and create more hatred toward us. Let us build schools, hospitals and houses, not as an occupying power, but as a global partner interested in shared prosperity and world stability.” The stated purpose for invading Afghanistan was to bring the perpetrators of 911 to justice. After seven years, thousands of lost lives, and billions of dollars wasted, are we any closer to that objective? Isn't it time to rethink Afghanistan? As a community leader, I know that real security comes from building coalitions and winning the hearts and minds of the people. In Washington, I will continue the work I have been doing for years to reshape our foreign policy to create global partnerships interested in shared prosperity. 
Share Link: 
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Dolores Huerta and Marcy Winograd
