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The war in Iraq, which President Bush pompously referred to as “mission accomplished” many months ago, continues to affect Americans and people across the world. Recently, insurgent attacks have led to increased U.S. marine engagements in Fallujah. The press continually deems the coalition efforts “rebuilding” Iraq. This discounts, however, the persistent danger that soldiers face everyday.
Far from a peaceful exchange of ideas and capital, American soldiers, the majority not in battle-laden areas, face the prospect of death everyday. Americans are dying in Iraq to the tune of 689 out of 792 total casualties, and they have not been given the proper support they need to ensure protection. The Bush administration refuses to compromise with the United Nations, resulting in a situation wrought with uncertainty and terror for American soldiers.
Spc. Nathan Tibbetts, a University of Maine alumnus, attests that his base in Mosul, Iraq, is suffering from a severe lack of personnel and is mortared daily. He fears for his life as he stands guard each night and supervises workers during the day. The problem, other than a lack of resources and support, much like in Vietnam, is that the enemy is not easily discernible. Tibbetts understands that any civilian may be willing to kill him, and that there is no safe place in Iraq. His courage helps him persevere.
The tragedy of the story is that Americans were sent to Iraq to stabilize the country – to make it a stronghold for safety and freedom. What has happened thus far is the opposite. Morale and discipline within the ranks is declining with every U.S. death. Alcohol, banned on most American military sites, runs like water. Factionalism has also spread like wildfire. Tibbetts states that with the mixing of Army, National Guard and Reservists, loyalties have shown to be no longer simply to Uncle Sam. One soldier confided to Tibbetts that he would not “trust anyone who did not serve in the active Army.”
All of these factors are a testament to a poorly managed military effort by an inept commander-in-chief, secretary of defense and National Security Council. That President Bush has plans to secure NATO troops just in time for the election means that he cares more about his second term than the safety of the courageous men and women he sent into battle. Whatever your views on the issues concerning the war, every American should be outraged at the handling of this affair. Tibbetts’ wife, Melissa, also a UMaine alum, has told me that the Army Reserve refused to provide essential battle apparatus ranging from headgear to communication equipment. This administration clearly has other agendas, which do not include the well-being of Americans.
The plain truth is that these soldiers were sent by an unprepared administration into an extremely hostile area. Tuesday night, President Bush addressed the nation, promising that all soldiers would “get what they need.” Why was this not an objective from the beginning? While I respect outrage at the handling of the military, protesting the war does no good. We cannot simply leave Iraq. What we can do is ensure that this administration does not win the election in November, so that it can no longer recklessly use American lives for its benefit.
Michael Rocque is a junior sociology major.
