Dec 04 2008
The End Is In Sight
Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel; it will take three years to arrive at the light but the closer it gets the brighter that light will shine. Our sons and daughters, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, friends and acquaintances – our brave American warriors will be coming home.
It has been a long hard road but finally, the end is near. Iraq’s presidential council approved a security pact on this day, December 4, 2008, for the full withdrawal of American troops within a three-year timeframe – a full withdrawal by January 2012. This deal will replace a U.N. mandate that expires on December 31, 2008.
According to House Press Secretary Dana Perino, “this is a landmark agreement that will guide the U.S. relationship with Iraq and help solidify Iraq’s democratic gains.” I say, it is time for Iraq to stand on their own and figure out a way to bring a semblance of peace to thier land.
Under this deal, U.S. military forces will withdraw from Iraqi cities by June 30, 2009. Iraq will gain strict oversight over the nearly 150,000 America troops now on the ground. President-elect Obama has spoken with Iraq’s prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki and stressed his commitment to a responsible withdrawal of America forces from Iraq, as well as given assurance that he is committed to respecting Iraq’s sovereignty.
While President-elect Obama believes resources should be reduced in Iraq and shifted to Afghanistan, this is a small step taken to achieve that plan. The year 2012 seems, for me, a long way off but compared to indefinites I was beginning to feel regarding the end of our participation in this war, three years is not that long.
Although I am not a believer in war, grown people should be able to discuss differences and accept individual rights or agree to disagree without taking it to a level of death and destruction, I do understand that in life, sometimes, you have to do what is asked of you, what you are called to do and to a point, I realize that sometimes war is a necessary evil because people have a tendency sometimes to be irrational and power driven. However, while I do not support the war, I most definitely support our kids, our men, women and children, fighting that war.
I also feel strongly that when they start making their way back to their homeland, to their families and friends, somewhere that was once familiar to them, things may seem a little out of kilter for them simply because of where they have been. Patience and understanding will be needed. I also believe that they should be treated with dignity and respect. That they be given the best, mental and medical attention available and that we all have tolerance when it comes to the adjustments to a calmer environment they will indeed have to go through.
You guys stay strong for a little while longer – the end is in sight!!
And that’s the way I see it!
