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<p>…and in every other war the US has fought…righteous or not.</p>
<p>I am trying to stay with the question asked. Obama’s address was directed at people like Malalai Joya - they know that without people like her actively backing U.S. action, Karzai’s government is a goner. He has to figure out a way to make whatever he does play among the country’s elites.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.timesofkabul.com/2010/05/18/clinton-lies-americas-unkept-promises-afghan-women/[/url]”>http://www.timesofkabul.com/2010/05/18/clinton-lies-americas-unkept-promises-afghan-women/</a></p>
<p>Frankly, I think it is far too late for that, and U.S. forces will go the way of the Russians. But we’ll see.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, what has happened to U.S. military people when they get back home is just not a pretty picture.</p>
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<p>So true, and so tragic. And often, those of us who are the friends and family members of these returning troops have no idea of the physical and/or lasting emotional damage they suffer. I had to find out from a magazine article about that which my first cousin continues to endure. The current issue of MORE magazine profiles her struggles with PTSD in the wake of her return from Afghanistan. Reading that was like being gut punched, and made me want to weep. It so explains the changes I’d noticed in her personality over the past number of years. I absolutely support the decision to begin withdrawing our forces from Afghanistan. I suspect we’ve done all we reasonably can there, especially as it concerns our stated mission for invading in the first place. Our fighting men and women have paid enough and it’s past time to bring them home.</p>
<p>None of you have been to war so it is laughable when you try to comprehend what we go through. Please stick to what you know.</p>
<p>@mini</p>
<p>If one googles “Taliban atrocities” there are over 2.5 million hits.</p>
<p>If one googles “Taliban genocide” there are over 6.1 million hits.</p>
<p>The link you provide re Joya is in a Libertarian blog. You are making a political statement, and it is not accurate.</p>
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<p>All of the comments have been very supportive of the folks who fight the wars. Would you prefer that the American people not even attempt to comprehend?</p>
<p>I’ve always wondered the same as the OP. On its face, it seems like bad strategy to announce a troop withdrawal in advance. But, on the other hand, one could say that the only way for the Afghan military and/or police to get ready to take the reins themselves is if they know far in advance, and if they know far in advance, then so will everyone else, since such information would surely be leaked quickly. So maybe there’s just no point in keeping it secret.</p>
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<p>I haven’t been to war, but I come from a long line of military families, including my own. I live in an area with a giant Marine and Navy presence, so know a lot of military families. Those who do the actual fighting in any war are not the only ones to suffer the consequences of war. The effects spread much wider than that.</p>
<p>I may be inserting politics into my own non-political thread, but I liked that Michelle Obama urged Hollywood to give more attention to military families.</p>
<p>[Michelle</a> Obama Pushes For Hollywood Support Of Military Families CBS Los Angeles](<a href=“http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/06/13/michelle-obama-pushes-for-hollywood-support-of-military-families/]Michelle”>Michelle Obama Pushes For Hollywood Support Of Military Families - CBS Los Angeles)</p>
<p>BrendanR, what was it I said that was so reprehensible as to deserve that response? Would you prefer the American response the troops returning home from Viet Nam received? I assure you, you would not! </p>
<p>Of course no one can fully comprehend the physical and emotional struggles endured by our troops, unless they have actually experienced them also. But, you are honestly saying we shouldn’t even try? Would you prefer that we just look away when we see you coming? Do you glare at people when they thank you for your service? Sounds like you do.</p>
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<p>The week of Veteran’s Day 2001, our firm organized a week of tributes to the vets who worked at the firm. Nothing lavish…we put their pictures up and had everyone guess who was who, we had a big cake, etc. One partner who was a Vietnam vet said it was the first and only time anyone had ever honored him for his service. Isn’t that simply heartbreaking?</p>
<p>As a child I was very “against” the war in Vietnam (and yes, I had relatives who served and one who was disabled as a result.) But when I think about it, the conduct of the American people back then in “blaming” those who served was pretty reprehensible. (Again, I was a child at the time, so I’m going by memory.)</p>
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<p>I think that the public has gotten it right this time.</p>
<p>“If one googles “Taliban atrocities” there are over 2.5 million hits.”</p>
<p>I would hardly consider google hits a research tool. Take some time to learn about the history of the warlords in Afghanistan, and what happened in Afghanistan prior to the Taliban (who are also awful when it comes to women), take some time to listen to the voices of Afghan female commentators who lived through both. </p>
<p>We have had a war against the Taliban for a decade now. It’s a long time for google hits to build up. We didn’t have a war against the warlords (who, after all, defeated the Russians, and then ran the country into the ground until many areas welcome the Taliban with open arms).</p>
<p>In my professional work (as well as personally), I work to provide mental health and chemical dependency services to soldiers returning from the war. I’ll stand by my relevant experience.</p>
<p>Secretary of State Clinton is negotiating with the Taliban. Perhaps she can use Mini’s assistance?</p>
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<p>Speak for yourself, Brendan.</p>
<p>[Landmark</a> Kabul hotel attacked by Taliban suicide bombers - The Washington Post](<a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/landmark-kabul-hotel-attacked-by-taliban-suicide-bombers/2011/06/28/AGtHAepH_story.html?hpid=z1]Landmark”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/landmark-kabul-hotel-attacked-by-taliban-suicide-bombers/2011/06/28/AGtHAepH_story.html?hpid=z1)</p>
<p>To the OP - l think you are getting military tactics confused with military strategy. A broad military strategy is a partially political matter so it is announced. Surprise is an essential part of military tactics, therefore, you wouldn’t publicly hear about a tactical military operation that relied on surprise, such as the Osama raid, until after it was over.</p>
<p>I think this has been explained by other people on here - but that’s the cliffs notes version. And sure, the Taliban do some terrible things, but the Afghan people need to realize that we’re not going to be there indefinitely.</p>
<p>And sorghum, I thought that post was hilarious. "Well, you can publicly announce all sorts of things, like a withdrawal. The real secret is whether it is true or not. " Fortunately, the military can’t use psychological operations on U.S. citizens.</p>