Readers Write: History argues against U.S. attack on Syria

The Island Now

The first war: Vietnam. Not many of you are old enough to recall details of the Vietnam War. 

Each year the military would convince Congress that with just a few thousand more troops and a few billion more dollars that they would win the war. That went on year after year for an unbelievable 20 years and we lost. 

The whole world did not go communist as our leaders had predicted it might were we to lose this war. It was referred to as the domino effect, whereby one nation after another would tumble into communist hands.  

The second war: Afghanistan. There were repeated calls for more troops and billions of dollars. 

Anything to show for it? 

We are now desperately trying to pull out, knowing full well that between corruption and the Taliban there is the real possibility of a complete collapse, even the return of the hated Taliban. 

Are we going to rush back in to save this corrupt government?

The third war: Iraq. Bush invaded Iraq to take out their nuclear capability, when it was apparent there was never any nuclear capability he changed his goal to “creating a democracy.” 

Our military began the drum beat once again: “Just a few more billions of dollars, and troops, and we can beat them.” Today, Iraq is more of a mess than ever. Some democracy. 

They are still blowing each other up at an alarming rate and are constantly bordering on a civil-religious war, Sunnis against Shites.

What are the positive results of these three wars? Has our national security been improved? Our leaders will say it has but are unable to cite any specifics. 

They really don’t know either but it sounds reassuring doesn’t it? It is one of those “feel good” expressions, “enhanced national security.”  

Did we save the world from communism with these three wars? 

Communism collapsed long ago for two basic reasons. President Reagan’s massive build up of our military that the Soviet Union’s weak economy could not match and the inherent problems of the communist system.

On the other hand there have been horrendous negative consequences of these wars. 

Sadly 60,000 dead, 300,000 wounded Americans and a monumental national debt that will burden our children and grandchildren for generations. There will be precious little money available for worthwhile projects. 

Have we learned anything or are we going into Syria with drones?  Don’t kid yourself. The inevitable “just a few more…,” will arise. 

In the distance I can already hear the military beating the drums of war.

Theodore Theodorsen

Manhasset

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