The Endgame

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

                        - George Santayana

     I was looking at the spattered dust outside my room today when it hit me.  Someday our soldiers will leave this ugly, barren FOB.  The high guard towers will lay empty, their glowering profile softened by unruly nests of squawking birds.  The sandbags will rot away from dusty windows and the shimmering light of day will finally dance in cloistered rooms.  Warehouses full of supplies will lay barren.  Motorpools thick with the low, lethal silhouettes of armored vehicles will sit empty save for wretched and twisted weeds.  Sections of the high perimeter wall will crumble and fall into chaotic piles of masonry.  And the only sound will be the tortured screech of broken sheet metal roofs banging in the desert wind.  The FOB will be dead – drained of the throbbing pulse of men and machinery that make her so powerful and fell.

     When that inevitable day comes I will have long since rotated home.  But I can’t help but wonder what Iraq will be like when the door closes on this chapter in our military history.  Will the new democratic Iraq survive its tempestuous infancy and serve its people with justice and mercy?  Will fathers and mothers be able to raise their children to be strong and proud? Will we have left the cradle of civilization a better and brighter place for having been here?  Every fiber of my being wants this to be true, it would justify the price we have paid in blood and anguish. 

     But I have another selfish reason for hoping this all comes to pass. Someday I hope to raise a son… and I don’t want him to have to fight another war in this burning land. And if we cut and run before giving Iraq a chance to become a free society that is exactly what will happen.  I have managed to read a couple articles from the mainstream press where impassioned editors have screeched about the incredible cost in lives and treasure this war has cost our country. They perform their dark calculus, tallying lives lost and money spent, and use to justify cutting and running. But they aren’t out here sweating and bleeding and dying. They don’t stay awake nights wondering if they did everything in their power to get their men back home safely. They don’t cry bitter tears over lost friends.  And they don’t see the enemy for who they really are.

     Have you ever stopped to think about who the insurgents really are? Or about what their final goal really is?  Do you think for a moment that they are fighting for freedom? For their people?  Have you ever wondered why foreign jihadists are trickling into Iraq to attack our forces? In case you have been living under a rock for the last several years I will spell it out for you in as clear a fashion as I am able. The insurgents are composed of two primary groups. The first is composed of former Baath Party member who long to once again crush their populace for their own personal gain.  The second group is inhabited by jihadists whose malignant form of Islam calls for the destruction of anything counter to their backwards ideology.  Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not bashing the whole of Islam.  I’m referring to a small but virulent subset of the religion that is bent on imposing their draconian will on others.  That is the face of our enemy, and you would be a fool to think that leaving that plague unchecked would bring anything except disaster.

     Our country has drawn a line in the sand, and committed her forces to allowing Iraq to choose her own destiny. If we turn our back on that solemn pledge we not only dishonor the memory of the troops that sealed this promise with their very lifeblood, we embolden the jihadists bent on destroying everything we stand for.   Do I want to melt under the blistering sun day in and day out? No.  Do I want to shuffle off this mortal coil in a foreign land? Again no. Did I want to leave my beautiful bride?  A thousand times no. But in the end it comes down to this.  I would rather see this through to the end and spend the rest of my days in peace - then leave this country before the mission is through and have these same jihadists attack the fertile soil of home. 

Comments

[Mike]

Your post insipored me to write about the improper use of the labels insurgent vs. terrorist. I tried to keep it balanced and objective. You can find it here: http://thinklocal.blogspot.com/2005/07/and-now-for-something-completely.html I hope you find it useful.

[NYgirl]

I've said it before, & I'll say it again: you are an incredible writer. You have made the case for why we should stay in Iraq & finish this job better than anyone else. Brian Williams & Dick Durbin should read your blog. If only the MSM wasn't so biased (sigh).

[a democrat]

I agree with all those commenting who commend your eloquent prose, and it's inspirational to read about your dedication to this mission. Those Americans who have trouble supporting the endless continuation of our occupation of Iraq are suffering from a loss of trust. We know that we've been lied to by our President. There is no point in debating this point, as the evidence in recorded everywhere. Also, the result is self evident. The President's diving approval rating is a demonstration of that loss of trust. However, I'm equally convinced that we must keep our troops in Iraq for long time, yet. A free Iraq is a requirement for America. We can not afford to see our military fail this mission. The logic has more to do with the real threat of Iran, rather than the target of opportunity which was Saddam's regime. The very real threat to America comes from Iraq's neighbors: Saudi Arabia and Iran. The stakes are indeed high, given Iran's declaration of becoming a nuclear power. America and indeed other western countries must not allow this to happen; through all means necessary, Iran must not acquire "the bomb." For those in our military and the Iraqi people who have paid and continue to pay the ultimate price, I'm sorry that our government didn't have a better plan for post regime change. I'm sorry that our government has created a loss of trust for America's people creating doubt to the point of confusion and waning will. Iraq is broken - we did it - now, we own it. Iraq must not be a partisan touch stone.

[tmg]

It's hard at times for me to see the forest through the trees. Your words remind me of the big picture. I pray the Holy Rosary every day with a special intention for our deployed soldiers and for the Iraqis living in conflict. The continuous flood of bad news (from the MSM and the DoD News releases) can lead me to wonder if my praying is in vain. Your blog reminds me that prayer is never fruitless. "O Dearly beloved Word of God, teach me to be generous, to serve Thee as Thou dost deserve, to give without counting the cost, to fight without fretting at my wounds, to labor without seeking rest, to spend myself without looking for any reward other than that of knowing that I do Thy holy will. Amen."

[jordan]

We owe you. Call in the favor anytime. T6, you've got the big picture. Since you've been eyeball to eyeball with the enemy, I accept your assessment of their nature and the liklihood that they will ever embrace peaceful coexistance. Many Americans still believe that understanding terrorists and finding common ground will make them stop. We depend on you and your compatriots to have the intestinal fortitude to tell it like it is, and not flinch from the fight. Americans are so safe, so prosperous, and so free that we need a wake up call every once in a while. We are fortunate to have you standing between us and the world's Marwans. You, Currie and Major K have contributed mightily with your blogs, and I have great respect for the responsible and intelligent approach you have taken with them. Whether you stay in the military or get out, I know this is just the beginning of great things for you all. Take care.

[Soldier's Dad]

A quarter of a century ago, shortly after the failure of "Desert One", I received orders to a location in the ME. The Peanut Farmer decided to leave the problem to the next generation. My child, is in Iraq now. I won't be breaking bread anytime soon with the Peanut Farmer, or those who would advocate leaving the problems of the ME to my Grand Children. Soldier on Sir!!!

[Carl Blyth, Sr.]

My congratulations for making the case for THIS war, so eloquently, T6. I, too, will forward this treatise to as many as I can and print some copies for my friends around here. As the rest of us read and watch our men and women put their lives on hold at home and over extend themselves to do what they do and believe in, we to must extend ourselves, we must do more than just say "atta boy!" I may be preaching to the choir, but every soldier on the battlefield needs someone at home who cares for their individual needs. Notice that I said "every soldier" and individual needs! I dare not assume that each of us who read and post comments here and elsewhere do more than just talk about supporting our troops. It is important to communicate with our troops - with the access of the internet it is so easy - to ask someone what he might want or wish to have sent to him at the front. In WWII we never had the opportunity to communicate in real time with our friends and loved ones. Letters would go unanswered or were lost by troop movements and everything was censored because of the danger of a letter falling into enemy hands. Security is just as important today as it must always be and I do not minimize that in any way. And we must be careful in our communications with our soldiers, too. We are not so hampered by time and distance today, so within a short span of time we can ask and receive the hopes and desires of our fighting men and even send them something of home and country. May I suggest letters of encouragement, books, magazines, special foodstuffs, coffee, tea, pictures of yourself and family, etc. It is not enough to applaud their live-giving services and turn away and forget that they are real people just like you and me. The government can only supply their immediate needs, ammo, equipment, and a mission. As someone once said, "Put your money where your mouth is!" And I do, do you? Will you? Thank You Thunder6, Prayerfully, Carl

[YankeePaPa13]

..I as well have passed this symbolic message along..also to the editor and publisher of my local paper..The Truth..whether they want to accept it or not..Thank You T6..eloquent as always..May the peace of God be with you all..Semper Fi..

[Jim Bonnet]

T6 I will pass your poignant message to everyone that I know. I think that once people see the raw truth behind your words they will understand how important it is to see this through to the end.

[Jenni Goss]

Just wanted to share an email with you that I got after I forwarded your latest post to some friends. "I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, It is people like you who allow me to live in America and raise my children without fear. I am so angry at the schools who no longer allow recruiters to come there and talk to the kids. My father and my two brothers have all served in the military and it will be a proud day for me if one of my children decide to serve in the military. Words cannot say enough on how thankful I am to the people in military service. God be with you and keep you safe until you can come home and raise your son." I too thank you from the bottom of my heart. I take what you write and use it to fight every argument thrown at me. I don't need Fox News or CNN. I have the daily accounts of soldier living this experience. Your willingness to share your life with us is invaluable. Thank you again. God Bless you. Jenni

[Justice]

This is the best idea I have heard in a long time. If you care about our troops then pass this to everyone you know this 4th of July. People need to see how the troops fighting the war really feel. Thank you T6, my prayers are with you and your men.

[Sandy]

Chevy has a great idea. I am going to send your post to every friend I have and a couple of "Letters to the Editor" as a 4th of July gift. I have never heard the reason for staying put so powerfully, and I want to do my part in ensuring the public doesn't abandon you guys.

[vicki]

I have been reading your's and many other milblogs. I am impressed with your (collective) eloquence in such a turbulent environment. While i am one of those who say "i wish our troops can come home now" and that i hate hearing of the deaths and injuries, it's only because it's a reminder of the reality that I am safely excluded from. Safe because of you soldiers who are fighting. I just wish you could make the necessary progress in a short time and return home to your families and friends and don't have to face the ugliness every day. Yet i understand that it will take time. I understand why you are there and support you all in every way. I know this is not an easy task to undertake..to show the Iraqui people that there is hope for a better future. A future that you yourself want to raise your children in. I am very proud of all the troops for their bravery, dedication, patience, and the humanity of your posts. Thank you for sharing with us so that we understand what is really going on.

[Kerri]

We often take our freedom for granted. I have four BEAUTIFUL children and I would have thought twice about having them if we lived in a land were we had to fear our everyday life. I am very proud of the troops courage and desire to risk life and limb to give others what we so often take for granted. Keep up the good work so the Iraqi people may someday feel of our freedom.

[Chevy Rose]

I think for the 4th's celebration, instead of fireworks, I'll print out your post several times and hand it out to my neighbors...and send it to our local paper. Maybe if it could get reprinted a few thousand times in papers across our nation, it would get the mainstream media's attention. In fact, all your readers could help do that? There are a lot of people who've never hear from soldiers except blips on the news. Your words serve to strength our resolve to win this war.

[susan]

I hear you loud and clear. My support will never falter and America will never fail. Besides, wasn't it MSM which had throughout the 1990's reported that Saddam was an okay kind of guy (CNN) and that IslamicFascism doesn't exist and to acknowledge such thought is racism against Islam (NY Times) MSM has zero credibility. Zip. Nada. It has become a source of perpetual ridicule which it so deservedly earned.

[toni]

T6 that was wonderful and inspiring especially for this time of our country's Birthday Celebration. Here's how bad it's gotten with the MSM - Brian Williams(Anchor for NBC) equated our Founding Father's to terrorists in last nights news program. (link from CaptainsQuarters)http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/004851.php

[MB]

May The Lord Bless You and Keep You May THe Lord Lift his face to shine upon you and bring you Peace. You are an exeptional individual. Namaste, MB

[Edward]

T6, You have stated the bald truth that so much of the MSM hide because they hate this administration so virulently. They would rather destroy this nation than admit that the global war on terror rightly passes through Iraq as well as Afghanistan. You and all those so bravely serving now give me hope that a new dark age will not befall mankind. Thank you, Sir, for being our shield wall against the new barbarians.

[YankeePaPa13]

..Thank You Sir..It's been a tough day for me today..dealing with one of my own..a 20 year old son who is too defiant and irresponsible..though I love him..I explained he needed to stay away from me for a while..and that hurts..It seems that he and his generation are committed to nothing except themselves..they don't even want to hear how others..including myself..have made all these sacrifices..The "now" generation..and I will admit..it frightens me to think he also may end up having to do the same as I..War is not pretty..I don't know of anyone who actually enjoyed the concept of risking it all for a principle..I too look for a day when we..humankind..can live in peace without prejudice..damn it would be nice..just one day..then maybe two..and three and so on..I want to include something here that came out in the recent July 4th edition of Time Magazine from another 20 year old living half way around the world in Iraq..Marwan Abu Ubeida..a confessed Iraqi suicide bomber.. ""I AM A TERRORIST" Marwan seems certain he is on a "pure" path. Unlike many other insurgents, who reject the terrorist label and call themselves freedom fighters or holy warriors, Marwan embraces it. "Yes, I am a terrorist," he says. "Write that down: I admit I am a terrorist. [The Koran] says it is the duty of Muslims to bring terror to the enemy, so being a terrorist makes me a good Muslim." He quotes lines from the surah known as Al-Anfal, or the Spoils of War: "Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into the enemy of Allah and your enemy." Then, as if embarrassed by his emotional outburst, he slumps back in his chair. He would like to understand Americans better, he says. He was arrested by U.S. patrols twice and detained for short spells, but because he speaks no English, he was unable to communicate with his captors. But this is a small regret, he says, of the kind he is determined to put out of his mind." ..This nearly ripped my heart out..talking of "Have you ever stopped to think about who the insurgents really are? Or about what their final goal really is? Do you think for a moment that they are fighting for freedom? For their people?"..Is this young man really ready to sacrifice his life..or does he seem to have some reservations..questions..regrets..??..I wish there were a way we could sit down with him..have a discussion..get to know us..and allow us to get to know him..we may find we all share some thing in common..a heart felt desire to live in peace..without prejudice.. ..This article can be read in it's entirety in the July 4th, 2005 edition of Time..Bob Dylan.."When I looked into my enemies eyes..he looked just like me"..Semper Fi..

[James McBride]

It's remarkable that your views, which I believe represent the views of most if not all our military engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, don't find their way into mainstream media in the USA. Rather we get liberal press shouting on one hand either the war is mistake or on the other there's not enough boots on the ground - anything to blame America and the current administration. I know the whining is just political BS, but it's intersting that views/opinions like yours don't see the light in the mainstream media to put that BS in its place. It's apparent that it's not the story they want told. I'll pray for your safety and the safety of your fellow soldiers.

[Keith, Indy]

Your unit seems to have an over-abundance of intelligence and courage. Between you, Currie and Major K, I see what makes our military the best. I posted this on Curries blog, and it's worth repeating... We are all in this together. Some people have forgotten that, as they never knew or believed the stakes were as high as they are. President Bush did his best to remind people of that the other night. And the usual suspects did their best to bury that message, mostly for their own political gain. While most of us are not in a position of hardship or danger, our efforts at home to support those on the front lines, are as vital to them, as their standing on the front line is to us. We should never forget that. Write your newspapers, write your congressmen, write and talk with your friends. The only way we can be defeated in this war, is by loosing the will to fight it. Luckily we have a Commander in Chief who is not persuaded by polls and the mainstream media. While mistakes have been made, and will always be made in any human endeavor, the cause is just, and the outcome must be victory.

[Mr Bob]

I've been writing an essay on my blog the last couple days about the decline of masculinity in the American Male. You sir, give me hope that all is not lost. Your post was inspiring. Thank you for all you do, you deserve every medal you get and more.

[Jamie Good]

That was perfect. And it means so much because it is coming from the trenches, but you have summed it up perfectly. As our parents, grandparents and generations before them have said, I hope my children will not have to live through such a time of bloodshed. Perhaps we can be one of the last generations to say so. Thank You Sir, and and all of the men and women of our Armed Forces, for sacrificing so much for future generations to make this more of a possibility.

[Derek S. Ford]

Sorry about the double post. I didn't know that I posted the first one. I just didn't want anyone to think I was some sort of British Lord (Sir Derek). It just looked too weird to me.