Today on CNN Newsroom
The latest news and information from around the world. Also connect with CNN through social media. We want to hear from you.
September 15th, 2009
07:42 AM ET
Do You Support the War in Afghanistan?
Support is at an all-time low for the war in Afghanistan, according to a new CNN-Opinion Research Corporation poll that came out this morning. Only 39% of Americans approve of the war now, compared with 53% who supported it in April.
We always like to poll the Heidi show viewers directly - so we want to know: do you support the war in Afghanistan right now? Why or why not? Has your opinion changed over the course of the last year?
Post your comments here.
On Twitter
TN Lt Gov says he is taking a pause from social media. Our story for @AC360 here cnn.com/video/data/2.0…
How do you think #alexmurdaugh did on the stand? #murdertrial #murdaugh #southcarolina cnn.com/videos/us/2023…
RT @CSADatGSU: Check in tomorrow to catch this conversation between @SuzanneMalveaux and @JonathanGayles
Find us virtually here:https://t.…
RT @CNN: Correspondent @randikayeCNN breaks down the prosecution's evidence in Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial.
Watch here: https://t.…
RT @CNN: Afghan soldier faces deportation after arrest at US-Mexico border. Veterans groups call on Biden to help Abdul Wasi Safi, who is j…
I support why we went there to find Ben Laden but some where along the way the possy turned into a humaniterian mission we dont have soldiers over there any more we have exsterminaters who have been caught up in a war thats been going on a thousand years sooner or later we are going to be left with one option .
Absolutely not. I do not agree with war anywhere where I don't understand the motives; however, I support our troops.
Yes, I support the war until Bin Laden has been brought to justice.
The war in Afghanistan is an unfortunate necessity. We broke it through the Bush administration's poor policies, now we have to buy it to prevent the taliban from regaining power or unduly influencing Pakistani politics.
As long as our troops are in Afghanistan, I will support our presence there. We don't need another Vietnam with no support for our troops. Our memories are short we are there because of 9-11.
Yes i support the war we cant forget why we are there, get osama bin laden and get the heck out of there no nation building.
I understand why people don't support the war in Afghanistan. In Iraq, I think we were fighting a war that wasn't ours, but if we pull out of Afghanistan, we stop putting pressure on the Taliban and the people who have proven to be a direct threat to the US.
no i don't support the war.let's take the money and use it here in our own country.
I am against the war in afghanistan but I am for the soldiers they serve their country with great pride and honor
We have no choice but to support the war Afghanistan. For us to leave now after seeking stability in that part of the world since 9/11 would be the epidomy of hypocracy. Afghanistan needs our help, it has been a country torn by war for three decades now. We need to stay and finish what we started.
Darrell A Adkins
New Orleans, LA
Sorry, on the post above I meant I **don't** understand why people don't support the war in Afghanistan.
President Obama is at least partially to blame for America's waning support for the Afghan action. His insistence on pushing for health care reform has distracted him from his promise to focus on the Afghan war. Interestingly enough, his campaign constantly accused then-President Bush of being distracted as well...by the war in Iraq.
-Gabe in Mississippi
Heidi, Thank you for asking us to share. I am 76, retired MD, and STRONGLY opposed to war in Afganistan. When we we ever learn?
I support the war effort, though I doubt our ability to be successful there. The reason for a lack of public support, is largely due to a lack of information from the White House on why we're there. Afghanistan is far more important than Iraq ever was.
Hi Heidi, i laugh when u say do u support the war..?? you suppose to ask the question (do you support the invasion of afghanistan?? do you support the us troops killing innocent children? thats how u suppose to ask the question i guess..??
All wars are started with lies.
In Afghanistan there is resources there that huge corporations crave.
There are also poppies, why do we seldom hear about all the opium that they prouduce ?
Very little was done to capture the man when it was necessary. He is just a distant voice in the terrorist movement. We need to pull out. We are losing too many good young people to fight some pointless unwinnable war . If the people of Afghanistan want Al Quida and do not bother to fight they get what they deserve. Historically over many many years people of all nations, including ours, have fought and overcome ditators on their own soil. Why do we need to be the world's police force?
Yes. I do support. Leaving Afghanisthan at this time in their dire condition will bring on the effects we all do not need. Unlike Iraq war which was unnecessary, this cleanup and support of Afghans is essential for our own peace of mind.
I recall the many atrocities committed against the Afghan female population in particular. As a person of conscience I cannot condone these violations of human rights by not supporting the war.
I support the war in Afghanistan because that is where the war should have been in the beginning, because the attack on our country originated there, and had Bush taken our troops there and got Bin Laden, the wars would be over by now. Iraq should have never happened until the American people were vindicated for 9/11.
Sadly,I've reached the point where I no longer support the WAR. No doubt. Gladly, I will always support the WARRIER. No question.
Afghanistan was a valiant effort, but the purpose of the war has been lost. When George Bush gave up trying to look for Bin Laden is when we should have pulled out. The U.S. is obligated to help with Afghanistan's infrastructure and rebuilding the country, but other than that we have no business being there. Obama promised us he would get us out of the war, and so far he has reneged. It is not considered a defeat when we never had a chance of "winning" anyway. Until we change the hearts and minds of the Afghan people, we will continue to lose American lives, and in my opinion it is simply not worth it.
I dont not so much support the war in Afganistan as I do the men and women who are fighting in it. I, just like millions of other people have friends, family, and co-workers in the war. We need to start focusing on the soldiers and not the reason they are there. War protesters seem to forget about them.
I don't understand America on this one. This region is where terrorism has been allowed to fester, and largely due to our actions. If we were to leave now, we would be leaving a perfect breading ground for terrorism behind. Imagine a failed state filled with uneducated, destitute, radically indoctrinated, angry young men.
If we want every victim and every soldier that's died at the hands of terrorists to have died in vain, we'll leave Afghanistan immediately.
As a criminal justice major, a senior at the University of New Haven, and Marine Officer Candidate who comes from a major military family, I was ALWAYS in favor and will ALWAYS be in favor of the war in Afghanistan. In my eyes, it is the same type of situation as the attack on Pearl Harbor. We were attacked and we fought back and that is exactly what I always saw us doing in Afghanistan. It is what needs to be done.
I support our actions in Afghanistan because even when the war i Iraq was at it's peak and unpopular with many, politicians seemed to me to say Afghanistan was an action we should take. Politicians put us there and if we leave before we're finished, there goes out credibility with other countries who might need out help. And mostly the people there need help. The hunt for Bin Laden is not over.
Yes, I support the war in Afghanistan for the following reasons: Bush used 9/11 as an excuse to invade Iraq when we were attacked by Al Quada from Afghanistan. Iraq had nothing at all to do with 9/11. Al Quada didn't even like Saddam because he wasn't a religious leader. All the wasted lives and money in Iraq and now the Taliban in Afghanistan have grown in numbers, strength, and control 80% of the country. Our volunteer soldiers are worn out from repeated deployments. We really need a draft to muster enough troops to defeat the the Taliban/Al Quada once and for all.
I dont support the war the reason we went there has turned into something else the cause has been lost we have turned into a humanitarien force.
at first i supported the, they did what they did so we had to do what we had to do. now it seams the war has just turned into a big waste of time for everyone. i mean realy, has anything realy been acomplished the last couple years? other then the fact our troops are dieing for no reason. i say bring all our troops home and let the rest kill each other off with their own suicide bombers!!! it would sure save this country alot of lives and money!
I no longer support the war in Afghanistan. We had our chance in the beginning. We should have bombed those mountains, that had Osama Bin-Laden cornered, into to oblivion. Now we are just like the Russian where back in the day they occupied that country. We showed them that they can rule and we need to let things follow its course and stop trying to get the rest of the world to act like us. We are not "the know it alls". It is time we build and restore our democracy and again become a country of true laws and prosperity, like it was when I was growing up. But Viet Nam turned that life upside down for me. I am a Disable Veteran and still carry burdens from that mistake. Just my opinion. Thanks
We have to support the war in Afganistan if we are to keep another 911 from occuring. The rest of the World needs to know if you attack us, we will come after you. Those who do not support the war simply have not been there and live in a different world. When you have seen bodies of fallen commrades as well as allies and even the foe lying all over a battlefield, sacraficed for what they strongly feel and their country stands for, then say you don't. I think New Your City got a little taste of that on 911 and will probably never be the same.
I do not support the Afghan war for many reasons, such as, the cost, it is nation building once again, Osama Bin laden is no longer a threat nor any more accessible than after 9/11, there are no diplomatic efforts with the tribal clans, there is no suggestions for the farmers to quit producing the Poppy plant, and we are losing men and women for a lost cause. We need to focus on America's issues at home and bring those wary war vets home to excellent health care for their many psychological and physical issues resulting from an 8 year war in which the USA has made no progress.
Dallas
I support the war in Afganistan, but lately have been asking myself...am I supporting the war in Afganistan only because for years I believed it was the "right" war when compared to our illegal presence in Iraq? I am against all wars, and may have become numb to our role in Afganistan while we (the US) were causing thousands of unecessary deaths and injuries in Iraq.
If we leave Afghanistan now, the Taliban will immediately come back into full control of the country and quickly grow to be even stronger than before. Who will stop them next time? Russia is not going back, and neither will the US. That will allow them to grow unchecked, giving free reign for terrorists. Haven't we learned anything???
Get our troops out NOW! As a 23yr. retired Army Viet Nam vet. I want to see ALL of our troops come home! Forget all the reasons that people use to say we should be there because it doesn't justify loosing one of our brave military members. If our military was given the "green" light to finish this they could do it in short order. But will never happen as long as they are "handcuffed" by political reasons.
No, I DO NOT support the war in Afghanistan. We are losing too many of our sons to this country that will never change no matter what we do. My son is due to deploy there in the next couple months and most of these young boys don't even know why they are going over there to fight. I support our military to the max, but our country is in way over their heads now. With all of our knowledge, why fight this war on the ground? Why not just drop a bomb and be done with it. We should've learned a lesson when Russia was there and couldn't win it. Why are we in other countries telling them what to do when we can't even take care of the people in our own country.
No, I do not agree with the war in Afghanistan. If the war is a result of our search for Bin Laden, how much suffering must Afghan's endure, and how many resources must we expend in our search? If our objective is to contain terrorist, again how I have the same question.
I supported the increased effort because I thought that would be the way to finish the job there. Now I do not because the mission is still not focused on stopping Al Qaeda, but is continuing to be mired in the politics of that country.
Both wars are unjustified; neither country attacked us!!!!
These wars have cost more lives than 9/11!! Only for revenge purposes!! Fighting wars the "old" way does not work against a small group of spread out terrorists.
The arrogant Pentagon "test out new weapons" mentality has to stop.
Let us first fix things at home which is at present in a terrible mess.
As Bin Laden said the U.S. will ruin itself; I do not need to do that at all!!
I wholeheartedly support the war in Afghanistan, both the troops AND the reasoning behind it. It was necessary and we must not back down now or all of the lives lost were for nothing. This administration is cowardly and can't make a stand. They need to put it in the hands of a leader that knows what war and being a soldier means.
No I never support the War on Afganistan , Because it was not our business to go over to Iraq and tend to their problems. I think out troops should come home and have a decent life and relax for awhile.
after the war in afghanistan question. your report as usual ( i dont know why im surprised or even trying to get through to this blantant bias media) but just maybe someone might listen. you proceed to protray the 912 people as racist when even the field reporter said he saw only a handful of offensive signs. then he goes to surmise that talking with people he said he got the FEELING racism was underneath their protest.HOW DISHONEST. if your network wants to keep putting nails in your coffin go right ahead, frankly we have come to expect this type of coverage from your network and others.
I don't support the war in afghanistan because it is not keeping us safe. If you can't walk into a building on a college campus without being killed and stuffed in a wall we are not safe. I think a women is raped every 30 secs, children are being kidnapped and molested or killed in the U.S. every single day. Afghansistan needs to take care of its own problems, not the U.S. There is no reason why karzaid can't draft and train thousands of his citizens to prevent and invasion of the taliban. We have a 60 trillion dollar debt to pay off. That should be our priority not afghanistan.
It seems to me its all about drugs in that Afghanistan is a large producer and I assume that is where Ben Laden and the other terrorists must be getting what seems to be a endless supply of money.
I sometimes wonder why we continue to fight a war on drugs since it seems we can not win and what would happen to all the drug money if we were to become major players in the drug business keeping to money for ourselves.
No I do not support it. My husband is an active duty air force officer in a career field that is squeezed way too thin. He will be going on his 5th deployment in 6 years soon to support a country that will not support itself. Our own country has way too many issues to deal with right now. We need to cut our losses and leave that area. Terrorists are all over the globe and the money being spent in Afghanistan alone could go to much better counter terrorism efforts worldwide.
Yes, I support the war, but I would hope it will be a smart war, with a realistic strategy. We should have goals and be agile enough to make course corrections as we learn more. We should also continue to involve allies in NATO and allies in the Middle East. Other Middle Eastern countries should be strongly encouraged to assist with "boots on the ground" as well as money. Reaching out to tribal leaders is essential. Providing regulat and frequent, comprehensive communication to the Afghan people is critically important as well so they can understand what we are doing and why we are doing it. If we stop and pull out then the radical Muslim terrorists will be energized and the world will no doubt suffer from additional atrocities.
Hell yes!!!! I support the War. I haven't forgot about 9/11 and neither should the people who oppose the war. This is payback no let up, if we quit this war and remove our troop dont think that Mr. Bin will just go away. WRONG. They woke a sleeping Giant.
I was a supporter of war before but not anymore. The reason US was in Afganistan was different. At this point it doesn't make any sense we 're still there & Bin Laden releasing vedios again & again. Its just waste of time & money which could be used on some something else.
I support the war because without it the Taliban is likely to re-assert control over large sectors of the country, and they willingly harbored Al-Qaeda once and may do so again. On the other hand, should the U.S. ultimately assert military control over contested sectors; the country is more likely to finally achieve political and economic stability, and develop a cohesive nationalistic spirit.
I support the war, but I am disgusted that we wasted so many years in an illegal war in Iraq and left the war in Afghanistan undefunded and understaffed. We did not go into Iraq this war would be over and could have had money to pay for health care and much more.
I don't understand America on this one. This is the region where terrorism has been allowed to fester, and largely due to our actions. If we were to leave now, we would leave behind a perfect breading ground for terrorism. Imagine a failed state filled with destitute, uneducated, radically indoctrinated, angry, young men.
If we want every victim and every soldier who has died at the hands of terrorists to have died in vain, than we'll leave Afghanistan immediately
I do not support the war in Afghanistan. At this point, Bin Laden is long gone and we are caught up fighting an internal battle in support of a government questionably supported by the people. Again, the Taliban is fighting for control and the indigent population is too divided or weak to fight them off, so America is doing it for them.
Why are we always expending OUR blood and treasure to save other countries' governments when it is not even clear what the whole population of these countries really want..do they want what we want or do we just want it for them??? We are in debt up to our eyeballs and we keep insisting we fight these pointless wars. Ask the Russians?
Yes I support the war. Those who do not read history are doomed to forget and repeat past mistakes. The 911 terrorists wreaked terrible damage with airliners. If we leave Afghanistan to Osama and they gain access to an atomic bomb, the death toll and damage will be enormous. We can't afford another 911 or Pearl Harbor.
Economically, the timing is poor to say the least. Strategically, our direction is vague at best. Does this war make more sense than Iraq did? Absolutely. Whether or not I support the initial decision to go there, I support the notion that we should finish what we start. We should provide the necessary resources to get the job done rather than wavering on the issue, and define clear objectives with realistic strategic approach. If this means more troops, so be it. A half-baked initiative will only lead to more casualties and bruised morale.
No. The US is perpetuating the misery in Afghanistan, especially among women and children. The US is supporting the drug dealers and arms dealers in the Afghan government. Poverty is everywhere, security is nonexistant and infant mortality and other health outcomes are abysmal. Mainstream media, very much including CNN, are colluding with the government to keep us uniformed about a war that is costing trillions, and for what?
Can anyone tell me the exit strategy.? How can we support a war when we dont even know when its over? If Osama is cornered in a cave for the last 8 years and no attacks have occured on americans by the Taliban then Hey, maybee we already won!
The US has no national interest in how or by whom Afghanistan is governed. The Taliban may be loathsome, but they are no great threat to us. Our only reason for invading in the first place was to bring Bin Laden to justice. That having failed, and with no prospect for it succeeding in the future, we have no further reason for staying. The Afghans were not responsible for 9/11.
All this is laid out with great clarity in his current column by Gwynne Dyer. It should be made compulsory reading in the White House.
The sooner we are out, the better for all concerned.
I no longer support the war, however I will continue to support the
young men and women deployed there. After seeing how the Iraq
conflict has turned out, I see no hope for stabilizing Afghanistan without
massive troop invasions and several years worth of rebuilding.
Sorry to say, but the Afghan people have shown no signs of unifying
against the Taliban, much less al Quaeda.
I don't think the American people know what they want , first they wanted a black president now they don't, then they wanted the war in Iraq to stop and the focus shifted to Afghanistan now they don't. Then they wanted healthcare reform now they don't and the list goes on and on etc, I believe in the war in Afghanistan more so than the one in Iraq but I support both wars. I think they should give the official that they elected the time to do the job that they want done and stop criticizing because criticizing prematurely is like a nut nobody ever agrees with those. thanks for your time
I don't think the US involvement in Afganhistan should continue. It's time to bring our troops back. There has been plenty of time for the Afghans to build and organize their security. We can't police their country.
If we leave they will fight amongst them selves as they have for a thousand years we should leave and exersize ther methods of ileagle entry into a forghien land.
Hello Heidi,
Why is it that because the U.S. government can't win in America it has to try an prove itself somewhere else?
The American people have been fooled long enough. In the years we have been in the middle east, we AGAIN have failed to accomplish our (the governments) mission. Al-Qaeda??, oil,??, terrorism??, yes the threats are there, but so are the fires in California. Now we are attacking the drug fields in Afghanistan.
Let's see, money/children, or money/war??
Thanks
Brad
Eugene, Oregon
The U.S. economy is failing, job losses continue to occur, and basically there is no underlying source of income for the survival of our economic system. Too much attention has been paid, and too much money spent, on wars we can’t win – Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and now Afghanistan. It’s time for the American people to stand up and say “enough.” We cannot win a war based on vague principles that other cultures don’t understand or agree with. Our soldiers are doing a wonderful job because that is what they do; but they will not win and we will not win in such wars. This was proven long ago, and we fail to learn our lessons. Let us focus on the problems at home, join in close unity with other countries that share our principles, and simply exclude the radical Muslims and their countries from our inner circle. In effect, let us lay down an economic and cultural siege on the countries whose leadership lacks the will or the ability to control their own people.
This is the war we didn't start. Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban still need to pay for the 3000 dead on September 11 2001.
Instead we started a war in Iraq and committed too few resources to Afghanistan.Now it's dragged on too long and we are now loosing support of the Afghan people. Now it's gonna get ugly.
You think we would have learned from the Russians. If we committed the resources at the beginning we would probably been done there.
Afghanistan is not Vietnam but Iraq is.Why don't we learn from History?
I do not agree with increasing the war. We can not continue to police the whole world. No one not an individual nor a country can continue to spend more than it makes. The world will continue to have terrorist groups and we can wipe out one group but another will just as quickly form. Stay home and protect our borders and pray.
Afghanistan is where we should have been instead of Iraq. Afghanistan, not Iraq, is where Al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden took refuge and was supported by the Taliban. The U.S. had the support of the world to go after Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda after 9-11, we wasted the opportunity. We must eradicate the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan now.
I am definitely against the war in Afghanistan. The government has wasted billions of tax payers dollars to try finding one man that should be used on the wars here in America.. the war against homelessness, poverty, big bank money mongers and health care for all as just a few of our problems. Bring the live and killed troops home NOW and use our money not for ego but to help upgrading the quality of lives of our Americans!!
Afghanistan was/is the war we needed to fight. This is where our 911 enemies were/are. We got side track attempting to seize the Iraqi oil fields. Now we have a war weary nation unwilling to go after the real enemy and it's difficult to blame them after the Bush Administration blunders.
Memories of "Born on the Fourth of July" will forever solidify the horrors of the profound tradegy of the Vietnamese War. I need to also add : I lost a friend in the Korean War who was one of the West Point Cadets, all brand new, untrained, lieutenants, slaughtered on a shore in SE Asia. Get out of other folks wars!! And let all thoes wonderful soldiers come home for an all out effort to protect our shores and our cities. Thanks Anne Sherman
I do support our current presidents strategy taking place in Afgahnistan. Let us not forget that for the last seven years under the Bush Administration we have been in Afgahnistan with a half commited approach due to our involvement in Iraq. President Obama has been in the job since January lets give him and his military team some time before we past judgement and say things in Afgahnistan aren't working. If other nations would put the troops, humanitarian aid and funding into making Afgahnistan a stable country we would see more progress.
When we helped them win against the USSR we left and our supporters were butchered. That is one reason we have problems in the region today. If we leave prior to getting the job done all of our supporters, and their families, will be butchered. We need some stability in the region and you sure can't count on Iran or Iraq. We must help these people and finish the job we started. However we don't need to weigh the troops down with rules. This is war and lets fight it like one.
I support the war.
Thank you for your time,
JMG
While I do not like, nor supported going to war in Afghanistan (for history has proven a super power army can not win there); I recognize we can't just leave the Afghan people defenseless. However, I believe we need to revert back to the post Vietnam doctrine, which calls for overwhelming force. We need to send as many troops as possible to overwhelm the Iranian and Taliban forces quickly, while building the Afghan army to the strength that can take over their own security. The lack of such a decisive strategy is the reason we are losing and support is dwindling. Strength in numbers.
Afghanistan is the war we were suppose to fight. This is where our enemies reside. Due to a series of Bush Administration blunders we have a war weary nation unwilling to support the Afghan war. I do support giving our best efforts to capture or kill Bin Laden but I don't want to end up like the Russians. At the same time, if we walk away the same regime will return and our efforts will be all for not.
I am opposed to the Afghanistan War for a number of reasons: (1) I do not want any more of our young men and women killed or injured for life. (2) It feels too much like Vietnam (3) The people in Afghanistan are not interested in democracy as we know and appreciate it. (4) we are wasting money that we could use to provide health care for all of our citizens (5) I have no faith in the leaders of the Afghanistan government (6) it is a war that cannot be won because of the terrain, the tribal rulers and the corruption (7) we are spreading our resources too thin. IT IS TIME TO BRING OUR TROOPS HOME!
I can't believe how much BUSH as able to brainwash this country!!!
Anybody with half a mind , would agree that We sould of only been in Afganistan. THEY attacked Us! Not Sadam!
This whole ordeal only proves that Democrates have MORE INTEGRITY than Republicans!!!!
Dems have enough respect for the office of Pres. not to try to disgrace Him in public, (although Bush did that on his own) . The way the Republicans are acting towards Pres. Obama is absolutly unacceptable!!!!
BUSH is the LIAR and we need to stop Bin Laden and Al Quida. If only we hadn't waisted 5yrs on Sadaam!!!!!!!!!
WE NEED A REALITY CHECK
We need to stop the ones that attacked us!
It is beyond comprehension that you would want to broadcast to the
Taliban that support for the war in Afghanistan is waning. This only
encourages them to persevere. If we pull out, it is almost certain that
Afghanistan will become a major base of operations for future terrorist
activity.
I think more importantly it is important to support the troops. Whether or not I support the war our government has chosen to fight, I support the men and women, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers who are out there serving our country.
We need to understand that if we quit before we win this war, the terrorist will come back 1000 times stronger. It's really sad that we democrats argued during the bush years that this was the right war, and now, in less than a year we are ready to give up. Republicans said we were cowards, and could not be trusted to protect the country and we are about to prove them right. If President Obama gives up he will have no cover. I say we should finish what they started, because if we have to go back, it will be much harder for us to get the help of the Afghanistan people.
yes, I support the Afghan war. We let Afghanistan once for Taliban and Arabs after Russia left in 1980s. I think America should change it's
way of fighting the war. The u.s should enable the discrased armey genral (Dostom) to fight the Taliban. remember the begening of the Afghan northan Aliens and Dostom helped American to go in for getting Bin Ladin.
I support the defeat of Al Qaeda and those that harbor or support them.
The US should defeat Al Qaedaand the Taliban in Afghanistan, the boarder areas shared with Pakistan, Somalia and where ever they can be found. However to do so requires a national commitment from every American not just the small segment of our population now engaged. If Americans are not willing to do so means our ultimate defeat and destruction is assured.
NO to the Afghanistan War. This is a tribal society with a 7th Century mind-set. The population is scattered in rugged terrain with severe weather. Their central government is weak with a high level of corruption. We are spending treasure to fight with millions of dollars in high tech equipment against an enemy who is killing our soldiers and marines with "coffee can IEDs." This war is both expensive and unwinable. More troops and equipment are not the answer. Additionally the rules of engagement make it impossible to aggressively conduct the war and hold the ground. No to this lose, lose.
Get out, period. That is a no-win area. simply get out. We are smart
"enuf" to at least to that!. no more of our treasure, or men. Do it from the air out.
How soon they forget. We are not fighting Afghanistan we are after those who cause 9/11. They are still out there, alive and still taunting the US, because Bush wanted to invade a country that didn't have anything to do with the attack.
With this kind of thinking we should have invaded Spain after Pearl Harbor.
There is still a job to finish and the sooner it's done with the sooner we can come home. No matter what or where the cave they are hiding in is at.
I have done two tours in Iraq, and that is the problem. CNN your only focus is on afghanistan, the big picture is pakistan. As much as it hurts me to state this, we cannot leave afghanistan, the enemy will declare victory, and will look to take over the Pakistani government, because they are a nuclear power. That is the main reason we continue to fight, not to mention the taliban admitted to 9/11, and they have been hiding on the borders for the last 8 years. The problem was the invasion of Iraq, we sent the majority of our military, supplies and money to an invasion that should've never happened. America has to start viewing and understanding the bigger picture, not this political spin that pundits are trying to put on this war.
The war in Afghanistan is unwinnable! We are just sacrificing troops to sooth the US govt.s ego. We need to pull out now. There is no set objective and timeline. The Taliban will just sit back and pick off our troops a few at a time. They have nowhere to go. The Russians finally figured it out. They used chemical warefare, indiscriminate bombing, and no logistics problem by living right next door. They still lost. Bring our troops home, increase our military manpower, refit with new weaponry and see what comes up next. China is building a carrier and modernizing their military. Any ideas whey they are doing that? Congress needs to understand that the troops dying over there are also citizens.
No Way do I supposrt the war, it is insane! You positive BS selling of the war in the past 10 weeks is enough to mek me puke!
Agreed with Jan Overman!
Agreed with Joni Busck!
Our involvemnet in Afghanistan is just spill over from our quickness to go to war in the first place, our very addiction to war, a continuation of Bush's failed NeoCon agenda. Russia was at war with them for 10 years and it you see where it got them. These people are anti-Americans who don't want us there. What about Pakistan and Saudi Arabia where Al Qaida actually are? That would make too much sense.Just count me another rabbid liberal who finds this whole waste of resources and troops lives sickening.
No I do not support the war because it is a waste of money and there are places in the world that need our help more... such as our own economy.
In Atlanta NO. Simply no.
Can't anyone see another Vietnam here?
I support the war. People don't understand why we are there. Its not about Bin-Laden. Its about making life better for women there so they can walk outside of their homes without being beaten or thrown in jail. So women can have jobs and make money. So people don't have to black out their windows to hide the women inside. So that women don't have to cover themselves completely with burqas. Afghanistan is a completely different kind of war. Instead of hunting down Bin-Laden, we are trying to make life better for the citizens of Afghanistan.
No, It's time to bring our soldiers home.
I am a diehard anti-war democrat. However I believe we have every right to do what ever it takes to ultimately eliminate the likes of Al Quada and we have yet to obtain revenge for 911.
Daniel Maggard , Southern Maryland
We should have used all our resources in Afganistan not Iraq.
Bush wasted these resources and lives in Iraq and we had
no business being there. Now we are in a crisis in America
and can no longer afford to continue this fight. I fear what will
happen regarding terrorism if we leave but I can't support staying.
I would prefer the war on terror being fought by secret special
forces behind the scences. Obama has much improved our
standing with our Allies but their support is lacking and they are
apparently withdrawing from Afganistan. We can no longer keep
the whole world safe. The cost is too great even though I understand the cost of doing nothing will be even greater. Norm
I do support war in afghanistan. This is very important because, this where Al Qaeda base their operation. this is the chance to show our seriousity that we will fight against terorism. We have lost war in Iraq becos of Chenney-Bush stupidity. It's time to act smart because we are smart in handling the right of human being life.
Yes we must carry on! We started this war to win and I believe we are winning. We owe this to our brave men and women and to America. These terriosts (cowardly individuals) must be terminated from society. I do believe if we all ready are not must look in many different places. They are hiding as a coward would do, and our military intelligence must use all means necessary to find them and help our soldiers get the job done.
I believe if we walk away now we are leaving our young people 20 to 30 years from now in what could me another disaster. We should always remember America is free because of the Brave. God Bless everyone!
Despite my opposition to the war in Iraq, I believe that the war in Afghanistan is necessary. As Americans, we should support military efforts to defeat the terrorists who attacked our country on 9/11. The words of John Kerry still ring true. We took our eyes off the primary target in Tora Bora when George W. Bush shifted his focus to Iraq. We are paying for that mistake, today.
I SUPPORTED THE AFGHAN WAR AT THE OUTSET. HOWEVER, IT HAS MORPHED INTO A CONFLICT WE CAN NO LONGER EXPECT TO WIN. THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT ARE NOW SUCH THAT WE WILL SEE AN EVER INCREASING NUMBER OF OUR TROOPS BEING MANGLED OR SHIPPED HOME IN BODY BAGS. I'M A VIETNAM VET, I'VE SEEN THIS MOVIE BEFORE!I YES, PUBLIC SUPPORT WILL WANE. TRUTH IS, WE CAN'T FIGHT THIS KIND OF GROUND WAR WITH A DOWNSIZED MILITARY. YES, AND IF WE RE-INSTITUTE THE DRAFT, WE'LL SOON HAVE ANOTHER PUBLIC INSURRECTION LIKE WE HAD DURING THE VIETNAM WAR. I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD PULL OUT OUR GROUND FORCES, WHILE MAINTAINING AT LEAST TWO AIRCRAFT CARRIERS IN THE REGION FOR THE LONG TERM. IT'S TIME TO GET POLITICS OUT OF THE EQUATION AND ACT IN OUR OWN BEST INTEREST FOR A CHANGE.
I AM A DISABLED EX-TEACHER DUE TO AMPUTATIONS OF FEET, FINGERS, ETC. WHO WOULD ANSWER THE QUESTION "DO YOU SUPPORT THE AFGAN WAR", WITHOUT FIRST THINKING, HECK NO. WAR IS NEVER JUSTIFIED UNLESS THERE IS A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO OUR SAFETY. OH, I AM SORRY. WE MUST BE FORGETTING THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE TWIN TOWERS, USS COLE, SOMALIA, ETC. THERE IS A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP FOR OUR SAFETY, ITS TERRORISM. I AM 50 AND WEAR TWO BELOW KNEE PROSTETICS. I HAVE CHECKED ABOUT GETTING INTO THE MILITARY BUT AGE AND DISABILITY PREVENTS THIS. IWOULD GLADLY GO AND FIGHT IN AFGANISTAN NO MATTER WHAT IS PREVENTING ME FROM GOING. PLEASE SUPPORT THE WAR IN AFGANISTAN, IT IS A JUST WAR.
It isn't a question of yes or no. We are at war, and I am in full support of our American military who are putting their lives on the line every day to protect our way of life. These men and women didn't choose to be at war; but when their nation called them to arms, they didn't sit back and decide whether or not they agreed with it, they stood up to their responsibilities. Also, these military families had to accept their loved ones going into harms way. The families left behind suffer more than is ever publized. Our brave men and women hear and read about your disagreements concerning the war; the same thing happened during the Vietnam War. Your doubts and questions may be politically based, but they send a negative message to our troops. It hurts the morale of our already tired and worn military who need to know now more than ever that all Americans support them.
I do NOT support the war in Afghanistan. In my opinion it is unjustified, a waste of valuable resources and,far worse, a waist of US troop sacrifices.
Al Quida was and is our enemy for attacking the US on 9-11-01, period. Go directly after them, not the Talaban or other groups. Get tough with Pakistan. If the US had kept focused from the beginning and NOT gone into Iraq (Thank You Pres. Bush), we would have dramatically more leverage and very likely better relations world wide for seeking justice.
YES! We lost eight years because of Bush. We have to finish what we started and negelected for 9/11. There are reasons to be there to try and set the country strait and self supporting. I think they need direction in living and supporting their country. And getting the people for the damage of 9/11 and lost lives in N.Y and D.C. plus the downed plane by passengers on the flight! To cut and run is no option for these people. Someone has to PAY for This, so it will not happen again.
I have never supported the war in either Afghanistan or Iraq. Our mission should have been to get Bin Ladin and the terrorist group. Now, we are in a place that requires us to be in a war that we can not afford. The President will need to make a decision whether the war-hawks like it or not.
Our troops are stuck in a stalemate the only thing we are doing is holding our ground and we can not afford this war any more we need to back off before we end up like Russia sooner or later Ben Laden will show his ugly face we can not police the world our means to do so is gone.
Vietnam,50000 of our best young people died ,we decide we can,t win so we withdraw.Korea thousands of americans dead,decide we can,t win, withdraw.Iraq 5000 dead............ If we do the same thing in Afghanistan after loosing all those great americans,not to mention all the money spent in all these wars.WHY WOULD ANY YOUNG AMERICAN TRUST THE GOVERMENT,OR THE FICKLE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND DEFEND THIS COUNTRY AGAIN?
Sadly NO. I live in a military town and have information first hand most
of the time. These people we are fighting do not usually have any education and cannot rule themselves no matter what we do We
are slowly killing off our new generation that is needed to rule our
wonderful country I am 79 years old and love my country dearly. I
sure do not agree with them a lot of the time. Bring our people home
so they can defend our shores and our people rather than some
far away country that is well satisfied to let us fight and die for their war.
I do not support the corporate abbitoir on the Araibian Pennisula! This is just another exrecise in political exigency, and corporate pofit with our children as pawns. The last Legitimate War we fought (and won incidentally) was WWII.wherein the whole nation sacrificed. We will lose this one also.
Why does this country think we can go into these other countries and change them. we should not be inflicting our will on other people. We need to get out of afganistan and Iraq.
Heidi,
Did those who disrespected President Bush during his terms not think it would pay dividends during President Obama's term?
Disrespect shown President Bush likely cost US military many lives and serious injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq so I hope this doesn't continue.
Will someone anyone in the News media PLEASE ask President Obama exactly what "Clear Goals in Afghanistan" are?
Any WMDs there?
George Williamson, NY
I oppose the war in Afganistan. Historically, all powerful countries that have invaded that country have left broke and broken. The war continues to suck up our lives and meager resources, and the Afgan resistance fighters will persist indefinitely in their efforts to expel us from their homeland until leave. We should leave before we sacrifice more American lives and further destroy our economy while other nations such as China improve their own infrastructures, economies and military. Get out now and leave the Afgans to their own destiny.
I wholeheartedly support the war in Afghanistan. This is a fight that we must win, and not just on the battlefield.
Our own inaction allowed the Taliban to seize power in the first place, and we ignored their increasingly aggressive behavior. We chose not to interfere as they oppressed the Afghan populace, destroyed cultural sites, and just generally ran the country into the ground.
Our reward for non-interference was an unprovoked attack.
If we fail to prevent the Taliban from re-taking Afghanistan, we will only be attacked again.
I no longer support continuing and intensifying the war in Afghanistan.
I did support it, after 9/11. History tells me that no war in Afghanistan is successful for the invader–and that includes USA, which is an invader. Of course, we want to defeat Taliban and al quaidi , not conquer the country. But Afghanistan conquers all because of place and people. When the Taliban are de facto the controllers of the country, it amounts to the same thing.
Should we just get out of there?
Not necessarily.
How about supporting the people in improving both the place and people? Roads, housing, whatever improves conditions there.
Education, especially for girls, number one, which Taliban does not permit. In other words, non-war involvement.
If we are in Afganistan to win their hearts and minds, I won't happen.
Because, with our policy, we are braking their hearts, and that's no way to change their minds. You can't " Bond" with "Bombs" !!!!!
The attacked on the World Trade Center must never be forgotten. Those who were reponsible must face justice. Yes, I support the war in Afghanistan.
The war in Iraq distracted our main fucos on the war on terrorism
which is in Afghanistan. Removing Saddam Hussien was necessary,however, after that we should have withdrawn from Iraq.
Our boarders are not secure, our guys are needed at home. National Guards have been deployed, leaving us vulnerable at home. Better to fight them from our ground.
Not only do I support the war but I support all of the men and women who are there fighting. The have stepped up in so many ways unknown to those of us do not know. As to heroes, there they are!
Thanks to all of you.
I dont even know what we are doing there in the first place.It seems to be taking lives of our brothers and sisters
No, I do not support the war in Afghanistan. It is a hopeless cause. Why do we have tp constantly participate in these wars in the first place. We need our troops here at home. It looks like the warring Republicans are trying to start a Civil War right here. Rush L. & his ilk are fanning the flames and should be guilty of inciting violence and put in jail.
It's the only war we should have been in. Can we not learn from Iraq, do our mission- GET Bin Laden wherever he went.
Yes, I do support the war. Even though it is always tragic for both sides plus the innocents caught in the middle but by not supporting it I am saying to the brave men and women who serve " Your problem , not mine".
Psychologically I believe it can undermine their efforts negatively.
When did we EVER declare war in Iraq or Afghanistan?
What is the exit strategy? We've already spent over a trillion dollars. How much do you think Al Qaeda and the Taliban's spending? Where are they getting this endless supply of money and weapons? Like Denzel Washington said in the movie Training Day, "The game's CHESS, it ain't Checkers!" I believe in a few years we are going to find out Osama bin Laden died some time ago, and consequently many of our soldiers died in vain. We never found WMDs in Iraq and that was the reason we were over there. Yet, no one has or will be held accountable for these crimes. "I say you've been had! Bamboozled! Hoodwinked! ... Lead Astray!"
"We're in Afghanistan because it's a haven for terrorist." Yet, NONE of those involved in the attacks on 9/11 were from there. In that case why aren't we in Somalia? "If we leave now the soldier will have died in vain!" Like they're doing in Iraq?
For instance, I feel like we all have a common Uncle, let's say his name is Sam, and we all know he's a METH addict known for "misappropriating" money he steals from us or WE give him. Every time we see Sam he's asking for money, $200 for shoestrings, $300 for bus fare. Now Uncle Sam's coming to us for $800 for a Big Mac and Uncle Joe and Aunt Lucy have the nerve to be upset with us when we ask Sam why he needs so much.
From what we endured in our attacks on 9/11, we have a duty to fulfill our mission to stop terrorism. But at the same time I feel we are chasing it from country to country! We have not caught Saddum Hussien-will we really catch him? I believe in what we are doing in looking for him and fighting the war on terrorism but I am also a mom who is very worried about her son fighting for his life and our freedom!
I believe it doesn't really matter what we think here it home about the war in Afghanistan or in Iraq, it matters how we welcome home these men and wome-since they are fighting for our freedom. If it wasnt for theses men and women in the Armed Forces we would not be living in the land of the Free we would and could very well be living like the people in these other countries.
Something to think about.
I support the effort in Afghanistan, but doubt Obama's ability to manage it well. It makes me unsure whether we should continue or not. This war should only be fought if we intend to WIN it, and bring Bin Laden to justice. If we lack even a smidge of commitment to that end, we should bring our soldiers home and take our defeat from Bin Laden and Islamic terrorism as graciously as possible.
In all areas we seem to be becoming a second tier country. Not quite third world yet, but we are now peopled in the majority by those who expect our government to take care of us, not the opposite. The new Unamerica.
I do support the war in Afghanistan because its where we should have went anyway instead of Iraq. Its wheater or not he can pull it off or not with the resources and troops.
Do you remember Vietnam? I do and it wasn't Johnson's war at the beginning, but became his when he didn't see the writing on the wall and thought he could win that war. Afghanistan will become Obama's Vietnam, unless he uses his brilliance to change the policy of more soldiers, more money, more resources and more casualties. Have we ever heard from a General that we should withdraw? It's not in the nature of the military industry to think that way, but citizens will soon be demonstrating in Washington to tell the Congresspersons: Get out of Afghanistan NOW!
I cannot see any other justifiable war in these days in age that demand any support than every war to fetch out all those behind 9-11 attack. Although wars cost money and we definitely need that money here at home, now than ever but there is no money that is too much for lost lives.
Definitely, i am in support of the war with all my heart!
Miss Collins.....
For a person that comes to this country to learn the way of american life is not very encouraging to hear your remarks of
"a bunch of crap", that was referring to the war heros in Afghanistan.
Using cleaner language may help people to treat each other with respect. I myself am offended for the liberties that you people take to communicate with us.
Ana Michelson
I am a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran. It seems the United States always seems to have a war somewhere when there is an economic crisis at home, almost as those it was planned. What better way to keep the war machine going than to keep the combat and support troops out of the jobless equation. Lets see if anyone wants to talk on this subject.
Absolutely, 100%. Obama has done a great job and I am very proud of him. He has kept his campaign promise. Some people expect everything to change overnight. We all know it won't happen. American lives are being lost there and thats sad but if we dont fight terrorism we may loose even more lives and will never ever feel safe, And we all know who will be blamed for that.
Yes, i support the war. That is where we are suppose to be in the first place. Infact, Osama Bin would have been killed or captured by now and we probably would have been less involved by now.
NO! I do not support the war in Afghanistan. We are not going to win there nor are we going to win in Iraq. They have been fighting over there for thousands of years. It started in Bible time with Ishmael and Issac. Many still dress like the people in Bible time.
Their mindset is different from ours. We didn't win in Vietnam; we are not going to win in Iraq and we are not going to win in Afghanistan. Remember Russia was their for ten years,they left. We need to learn from history and get out. Just as Vietnam did, those countries will eventually solve their own problems. If they want to come into the 21st century, they'll do it themselves .
Example: Just as a couple in their own household with problems. No one from the outside can solve their problems. Others can offer advice, but only the people living in the house can solve the problems and go forward. Therefore, I say let those people solve their own problems. We just protect our country form those who might want to come into our country to hurt us. That's a big job right there.
We belong in Afghanistan we showed our weakness in 9/11 and terrorist seen the opportunity. Those who believe we shouldn't be there and believe we should spend the money in America, spending the money in America won't stop that next big terrorist attack. And the only reason us soldiers haven't been completely victorious in Afghanistan and Iraq already is because there is a lack of patriotism and support from the average American. During the earlier wars of America, we always triumphed quickly because of the pride and support of Americans. If America wants to become successful with the War Against Terrorism and even climb out of this horrible economy we are going to have to become America again. America use to stand for a lot more it use to be an entire country working together to make a better life for each of us. NOW THIS COUNTRY HAS BECOME A PLACE WHERE IT IS COOL TO GO OUT AND PROTEST. If you want to make a difference use your time to make the difference not to make a sign and chant. Every American should SUPPORT THE SOLDIERS FOR WHAT THEY GIVE FOR THIS COUNTRY YOU CALL HOME. The average soldier has given more than the average American will ever give for this country. THIS COUNTRY WILL FAIL IF WE DON'T SUPPORT THIS COUNTRY. This mean support the soldier, support the government, support each other, and SUPPORT THE FLAG. This country needs to remember you only get what you put into it. That shows everyday in your life and this country will only get from the war what we put into it. Us soldiers have put a lot into it already but we won't fully be victorious until the entire country is behind us. THAT AMERICA , we use to always be behind each other and the Flag.
THE AMERICAN FLAG ONLY FAILS WHEN ITS NOT FLOWN!
If you don't believe it look at our history.
As things stand now i think that war is not relevant because is it because of one person Osama Bin Laden American valuable lives should be lost ? the Afghan soldies should be trained and equiped o protect their own country my question is how long is The USA going to fight this unproductive wars?What i suggest is money wasted on these two wars should be invested in The FBI and CIA to protect the American people from another 9/11the lives of these young soldiers are valuable to their families and the people of America
I do not support the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq. The United States should get out of the nation building business and focus on on our own security. We will win no hearts or minds at gunpoint. If we bomb them with anything, it should be books. Clearly the problem comes from ignorance, intolerance and a narrow world view. By the same token, we should also be bombing parts of our own country with books. We have our own Christian Taliban who would impose their beliefs on others as well. I see religious extremism as a threat wherever it is and regardless the flavor, but guns and bombs are not the answer. If America wants to export our values to the rest of the world, we should do so by example. The rest of the world clearly sees the hypocrisy of trying to enforce democracy and humanitarianism at the point of a gun.
Let's build up the Afghanistan army and let them do the heavy lifting. Let's use our Predator drones to help them finish the job!
If we are not willing to extend the war into Pakistan, where most of the Al Qaeda terrorists are hiding, then we need to pull our brave troops out before we repeat another failed incident like Vietnam.
I don't believe President Obama has the determination or the resolve to carry the war against Al Qaeda into Pakistan. Presently, he is trying to placate both the left and the right!
I support the war as long as our President shows the commmitment stated during the week of April 19th
"President Obama said this week that the security of the U.S. people is the first and last thing on his mind every day"
It appears to me that other matters such as the economy, healthcare, guantanimo, wall street are mor important than the fact that we are still at WAR!
The United States spends more money on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq than any other country in the world by trillions. This country is at least an ocean away from any serious attack. Countries like France and Italy are so much closer to Afghanistan and Iraq. Yet they do not open the national treasury for war time and time again. This country is living with an 18th century mentality. There is no one from Afghanistan or Iraq on the way here to do anything. No one from Afghanistan or Iraq attacked any place in this country. Why do we attack them? We believe they might? That is the most uncivilized excuse I have ever heard for spending trillions and costing millions of innocent lives. Terror in the world has increased exponentially as a result of this country's war on terror. This country needs to grow up and learn how to live at peace with the world. War is completely shameful and inhuman.
Yeah, we should have sons and daughters of senators and congressmen enlisted first for these wars.Then you truly will see if they like them or not.
Only then will we see no wars
We're again involved in a civil war with one small clique attempting to govern multiple autonomous tribal areas. The "central" government cannot even enlist an army since the tribal regions have their own "militias." Essentially we're helping wipe out indigenous peops, forcing them to assimilate. Sound familiar?
If the US had not been sidetracked by the Iraq War (which I consider one of the biggest blunders that our country has ever made!), the situation in the Afgan War would be completely different! We do need to find Osama and take him and his militants out! My big concern is that this war may be turning into our 21st century "Vietnam War".
Vietnam here we are again. The troops in afghanistan Can not fight the war in Ag. because of the human way the military is forced to act because of the Media coverage.
Look back to the wars before Vietnam news was controled so many Horrid thing were never heard of.
War is hell!!! Saints can't win a War.
In war the rule is people die bouth the bad and the good this includes so called noncombatants.
LOOSE THE DOGS OF WAR OR BRING THEM HOME!!!!
Disabled Vietnam Vet.
I do not support the war in Afghanistan. I think at this point, Bin Laden is long gone and we are caught up fighting a battle in support of a government questionably supported by the people. The Taliban is fighting for control of the population which is too divided or weak to fight them off, so America is basically doing it for them. We are in debt and yet we keep fighting this pointless war which is a dumb thing to be. My only question about this is that when is this war going to end because obsivly like i pointed out before more than likely there not going to find Bin Laden anytime soon so why waste the worlds money helping another country with there problems.. Only it dumb america would you see a thing like that.
It is time to end the war in Iracq and Afganistan. History hjas proven that there is no win there, and we have nothing to gain by staying there nation building. If we listen to the Generals, we will be there for 50 years plus like Korea. I fought in the Viet-Nam war and heard the same reasons for staying there, they called it the Domino theory, stating that if we were to leave Viet-Nam, all hell would break loose and the communist would take over that part of the world. Well the Generals were wrong then and the Generals are wrong now, as Viet-Nam is now one of our main treading partners. Bring the troops home now.
Heidi yes and no. We need to get Bin Ladin he has been a thorn in the side of America long enough. This war has been going on for years! long before we got into it. A ground war doesn't seem to be the answer. What is the answer?
Good morning Heidi,
I do, and the US military and coalition has created the chance for the govt of Afghanistan and the people of that country to stand up for themselves. They've been doing this for some time now in difficult circumstances. At present, a surge of US troops is pushing the Taliban out of Helmand province, a searing desert region in that country's south. This is after the Taliban has made inroads into rural areas and some cities. The US plan is to "clear, hold, and build" the build referring to addressing civilian infrastructure needs for medical facilities, schools, improved roads, pipelines for water, etc. It has taken repeated efforts to keep Taliban resistance down, to get towns and villages "off the fence" as has been reported and into the govt fold. What we see though, as more is revealed in each report, over a couple years now, is a people and a country who are ready to take on the responsibilities of leading their own lives, and attending to the business of rebuilding their country, spurring commerce. Ultimately it will be the power of govt and society, and those intimately close to the realities of the situation that will have the most impact on the future of that country and its people.
It's a beautiful country, mountainous, desert, wild, with a vibrant society and cultural life. I hope they do come together and build a future for themselves.
I strongly opposed the Iraq war but feel differently about Afghanistan.
We had a strong start there after 9/11 and let the ball drop. I believe it maintains the same importance it had then and is well worth maintaining the effort..
Of course, we should be in Afganistan and also Pakistan.
Has anyone been noticing that the terrorists have pulled out all the stops. They are carrying their cause across the world and causing all sorts of mayhem. They do not want to make "nice." They do not want the same things in life that we want (the so called "American Dream." ) You can't bargain with them. They have an agenda and they won't stop until they succeed. Obahma won the election on his stand against the war and many people blamed Bush for being involved in the middle east. I don't care who is in office. The mentality of the population we are dealing is something we haven't dealt with since the Kamakazis of the second world war.
On further note I want to make mention. The young Moslem girl who has asked for help because she is too frightened to returned to her family because she wanted to change to Christianity. This isn't the first time this has happened. Read a true story by Mina Nevisa "Miracles of Miracles." It's an eye opener.
First of all, President Obama had nothing to do with the war in Iraq or Afghanistan. He even voted against it. Bush (and his cohorts) ,Cheney and Rumsfeld opened up pandora's box and Illegally invaded a country for the sole purpose of oil and (friends of the family) to prosper ecomonically. We should pull out and secure America with state of the art equipment for surveillance and what ever is needed for our safety,and make sure our troops have everything they need. We can forget capturing Osama Ben Laden. We should focus on terrorist here in America.
Absolutely not. We've spent trillions of dollars in Iraq and now it goes on in Afghanistan. Enough to pay for healthcare many times over. What have we gained? Bin Lauden is not worth it. He'll eventually get what coming to him without us spending trillions on more revenge.
When this war first started I was very supportive of this war. I believed that the U.S. was going to get in, save the day, and get out. I was also in the 7th grade. I don't support the war in Iraq anymore. Being the daughter of a military parent, I've had to deal with my mother getting deployed to both Iraq and Kuwait already. I have also seen many of my friends families torn apart by this war. I understand that they are fighting for our country and I appreciate the soldiers giving their lives for us, but how long do we need to fight? This war is the longest war I've experienced in my life, and i believe we need to sent our troops home and sqaush all of this nonsense. We have already spent countless dollars for this war, and some places are still no better than they were before the war. It is time to end this.
For all the families of the fallen heroes your precious children didn't
die in vain. The heroes didn't just fight terrorism but fanaticism and evil ideology who seek to blow up planes and kill as many people as
possible in the name of God. They marry children as young as 10
or 12 and let them give birth before their bodies can develope. One 12
year old girl died during childbirth for 3 days. Bet they didn't do much
cos they can remarry another young child. Isn't this evil to the core.
All they teach is hate and they bring god's name for everything-even
in marrying children before they are ready for child-birth.
Mary
I think Former President Carter's comments this morning hit it right on the spot. A lot of the things people are doing toward President Obama is because he is black. It is very hard for a lot of whites to except the fact that they now have a black President. Both the Senator outburt and some of the protesters displays were totally disrespectful and racially motivated.
Heidi,
It is not a matter of trust, but a matter of accuracy and point of view. I think that the news media is so eager to get the best story and to get it to the public before anyone else that they sacrifice accuracy. Media should take their time to verify sources and only publish when it is verified. I think CNN does a great job!
Its not that the Media isn't reporting the Truth, but rather, how it portrays the facts. If John Doe falls from a bike, the headline or lead story is "John Doe is on the ground...has he hit rock bottom?" The media is also guilty of giving exposure to bogus claims, radical views, etc. for the sake of ratings. Although the poll doesn't seem to reflect the public trust, when someone views a story on a 24 hour news cycle, it lends credibility to even the most outrageous claims. We have seen this with the Health Care debate and the Presidents Nationality, political affiliations, etc. Truly Factual reporting seems to have become a thing of the past.
I do not support this war. But, now that we are there, we must do everything to win this war. If we don't, we will be less safe. I just don't know why we think we have the right to invade other countries. Our military could have served us better if we would have used them to weed the terrorist out of our own country and prevented any terrorist from entering our country. If we would have taken a defensive approach, so many of our young men and women would not have died.
Ms Heidi, I watch your program every day. As part of the media that puts out information daily. I find that you always focus on the bad.....
Example: town meetings. You only addressed the negative comments when our representatives had their towwn meetings. Why did you not show the positive...pretty sad. Having worked in health care (not a doctor) I know we need a change in health care. No one addresses the fact that the employers are the ones who decide what kind of a plan they select for their employees. Its the employer! Also, we already have so many government programs that no one seems to address that the MCare,Mcaid, CCS,Ghpp,SSI, Hill Burton are programs managed by the government. I dont trust what you put out there. you only put out there what will bring you more viewers. Sorry to say...
I absolutely do not trust the media. I work as a receptionist and unfortunately have to endure CNN all day. CNN as most "news" channels are banned from my home TV.
I am an American therefore I support the troops. But to say I support this war is hard to say, as an American I feel as If I have been lied to fo many years and dont truely understand why Osama Bin Ladin has not been found, and what was the REAL reason going to war with Iraq inthe first place? Wasting almost 8 years of war funding and many lives have been taken away. I think the American people need a more clear cut strategy and move on.
Media quit doing its job of asking the right questions of our democracy. Interviews are nothing but a platform for the politicians to self serve, there is never a come back questions just another soft ball. So, it is not a trust issue in the news, just that we gave up on you in general – Michael
Heidi, wacth Fox new for one full day then compare with other media....
I hope you will not get sick.
The war has taken way too long. I support our troops. They are risking their lives to protect our freedoms. And if we are not careful we are going to lose them from within. Goverment is trying to take too much control.
yes i do. they are fighting for our country and keeping this country safe from terrorist and alkida.
I believe that the news media is very bias. People tend to relate their feelings about everything instead of reporting exactally as it is. I also believe that there is too much media, especially when it comes to war. There are too many parts of war that should not be exposed so that our troops can do their job without feeling that they will be critisized for protecting us and themselves. I am also tired of the media pushing the prejudice issue esp when it come to Pres. Obama. It is rediculous. Every time someone disagrees with him they say it has to do with race. I disagree with alot of his ideas only because it is wrong and infringing on our rights as Americans. Some of my best friends are a different color then I am. Lets move on. The media just harps on this issue, if they would just leave this alone and let people make their own decissions I believe that people would start liking people for who they are and not the color of their skin. The media really needs to think about what they push just for ratings sake because if they push something that will hurt American people just for their ratings don't forget it will hurt you too.
I do support the war. The military is trying to protect our nation. We need to start caring about us for once and not what everyone else is ging to think about what we do. This is how we got where we are right now. Close off some of the media from the war and let the military do their jobs so we can get done with this!!
just another black hole to throw away money and lives. but the well connected WAR PROFITEERS who own the government will continue as they have, and most certainly will NEVER be called into question.
Bring our troops home, give them intense counseling, healthcare, and jobs.
When the "Administration" gets itself elected with an anti-war agenda what do you expect the sentiment to be in the general population?
Unfortunately, the Taliban and Al Queda don't have an anti-war agenda and they will not abandon their "jihad" until every one of them is dead. If we leave Afghanistan and Pakistan to them we will eventually face terrorist attacks here in our country and the "body count" will be very high.
It is just as naive to think we can win a war in Afghanistan as it was for Hitler to think he could successfully invade Russia in WW2
We should have been fighting the Taliban and Bin Laden all the while we were in Iraq....Wasted time and lives...Bush should have never allowed Cheney to influence him so...What a total waste of time. And now the public is sick of "war" and we haven't completed the mission. The mission is in Afghanistan and always has been. Of course, the oil is in Iraq.... Thank you, Dick Cheney, you screwed this country good.
No, I don't support the war in afganistan. I think we've sacrificed to many lives and to much money already. I think the afghans should take responsibility for thier own country and solve their own problems.
I supported the war in the beginning, but now it looks like Vietnam all over again. I don't feel there is sufficient support by the government to give our troops the manpower and resources to fight the war on a scale that will enable our troops defeat the terrorists.
I have never been a supporter of this war on terror, as an ex soldier and member of a intelligence organization I know this was the wrong way to go, for many reasons. One of them is that the main objective (as we have been told) is Bin Laden, so why do we spend so many lives and assets in Iraq, when we knew that Osama wasn't there, how is it possible that the most resourceful intelligence agency in the world
didn't know where Bin Laden was, considering that they make him into what he is, how is that until today they still looking for him, if they are. I think that the most intelligent move would be to bring the troops home and stop spending what we don't have. Consider that every time this country goes to war the real reasons are never disclosed and the only ones that benefit from it are all those private companies that provide "Special services".
At the end when was the last time this country won a war.
i would really be interested to see much more reported, than updated on what other countries are active in this. I do know Great Britain is but the way it unfolds in all media looks as though, once again, the U.S. is the only one assisting this cause. I strongly feel there should be daily, bi-weekly, weekly updates on other countries who are fighting.
I am with Secretary Clinton...have to know much more about this long standing conflict and the media should be outlined objectively so we can understand what exactly is being expected of the U.S. and U.N. and other countries. Who else is supporting? Why do we seem to be the only country fighting other country's wars?
We've already been in a war too long in Iraq and one falsely stated after 9/11.
Thank you,
Sandra-SLC
I will always support the war, Dose everyone forget 911? Well I hope the one's that don't support the war put them selves in the place's of the people who, Jumped, or burned to death for no reason. There is no justification for murder. I know this is a free country, and everyone has the right to say what they wan't, but shame on the one's that wan't to turn their back's on the people that died that day becaues the econmy is hurting, God bless our troops, and God Bless America . I support the war
The people of Afghanistan do not seem to have the will to fight along side the countries who are in their country "helping" them. They do, however seem to have the will to sacrifice their lives in joining the Taliban's activities. Tribal people do not welcome or cooperate with outsiders. The Taliban is "them." Wake up American and get out. Politicizing this war has resulted in rules of engagement which seriously endanger our troops. This whole war is a misconducted miasma!
The people of Afghanistan are a fractured group of tribal societies and not a collective nation of people. They have been fighting against each other for 1,000s of years and it's ridiculous to think the U.S. can come in and "save" them from their plight. If they wanted a better life, they would raise up and fight for it themselves. This is what a revolution is about. Nation building because "we know better" will never work. So no, we should not be in Afghanistan.
No -it is too costly for the American People,we cannot afford this war.
I would like to tell the Republican Conservatives, where were you when Bush was the President and I didn't hear much critical commentary about his self-absorbed decisions , as well as, Cheney.
We should get out of all Wars and train their own people to rule and maintain their country and we should LEAVE and bring our troops home and put the monies saved into our own economy.
US should get out of Afganistan as soon as possible. Engaging in wars in poor countries will never produce any solution to their Socio-economic problems.Diplomacy plus Economic aid will do much good in stablizing these Counties and thereby opening up new markets for American goods and services.
No way do I support this exercise in political exigency and corporate pofit. I do however; feel compassion for our youngsters that are being murderered and crippled. I've been there and done that thrice in another time and other theaters. To take advantage of the ingenousness of youth to reap profit is reprehensible. There was no WMD. A Think Tank of Emperialists calling themselves Project for a New American Century (PNAC)s left over from Reagan Reign outlined their program to emulate the Romans of yore. One passage in their dictum was that ;they must have another Pearl Harbor to get the American public to follow their plan. In 1977 America abandoned the Draft and Instituted the "All Volunteer Army". It was a ploy prepatory to duping our youth into this very eventuality, whilst obviating all the protester ov Vietnam and Korea.They lived pretty high on military bases aroung the world with good wages,with their wives and family. Every three years they were flown to new bases aroung the world, where the lived like royality in comparison to the natives. Finally came the time to"Pay the Piper" No one can detract from their bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice. But when it is all over and the accalade dies down the find themselves discharged into an alien world and expected to adapt from a socialist envirenment, into a capitalist world of dog eat the cat wherein their military skills were obsolete, I remember mustering out with $300, and a ticket to point of enlistment.No job( Submarine Torpedomen were in short demand). I have heard that one of of four homless wandering the streesand living under the overpasses are Vietnam vets. If war is truly necessary we ALL go to war or at least make sacrifices as we did in WWII (the last War in which we were victorious!
Just cut off the foreign oil! Thats all you gotta do! Stop giving the terrorist the money to buy weapons to kill us! Build thousands of wind turbines! Then you'll win!
Post 9/11 we had the goodwill of every civilized country on the planet. Instead of using that to form a strong international coalition to wipe out terrorism we…well, we all know what we did. Now, years later, Ben Laden runs free and the Taliban controls 80% of the country, not to mention the tens of thousands of others in the Middle East and around the world who hate us even more because of our disastrous international policies. The result? No American citizen will ever again be so naïve as to think they’ll be safe here or abroad. Afghanistan is lost and, like the war on drugs, the war on terror will never be won until we stop making the same mistakes over and over again, expecting a different outcome.
Roman Polanski
Making great films does not absolve this man from his admitted criminal behavior.
Heather