Afghanistan still ‘war of necessity’

As the war in Afghanistan enters its eighth year, Americans are growing impatient. The situation is dire; the stakes have never been higher. That’s why the United States must not lose focus on what the Council of Foreign Relations labels the “war of necessity.”

While it’s tempting to conflate the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, such a simplification undermines the importance of the Afghan mission — the epicenter of the real war on terror. According to intelligent reports, the Taliban remain just as strong today as in 2001. Al Qaida operatives are still seeking refuge in the mountainous border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. And the U.S. only detracts the needed support of the Pakistani government.

Currently, Washington is debating whether to draw back the military operation in Afghanistan. General Stanley McChrystal and other leading officials on the ground have called for some 60,000 additional troops to succeed in Afghanistan.

While it’s difficult to conceive of such an increase as our country is engaged in two wars, we must realize that failure in Afghanistan would have dangerous consequences for the region and the world. It would mean the return of the Taliban government and a nation harboring al Qaida terrorists. And it will make our relations with Pakistan all the more precarious.

To ensure success in Afghanistan, we must provide more troops. In turn, we can effectively train the Afghan Security Forces so that they can partner with U.S. troops and take over their own security; protect the people of Afghanistan and secure their support in opposition to the Taliban; and provide the security needed to foster the stability necessary to end our military operations.

The war in Afghanistan is a war of necessity and we must provide our military with the resources needed to succeed.

Tyler Murphy, Flatwoods



Most 2009 Fairview grads in college

It honors me greatly to report to The Independent and its subscribers that 77 percent of the 2009 graduating class of Fairview High School is attending college this fall.

A percentage of this magnitude is nearly unheard of in the public education system and can only be attributed to the desire of achievement of these students and the dedication of the faculty of Fairview High School. I'm proud of them and they should be very proud of themselves.

Jeff Preston, Fairview Board of Education, Ashland