It’s clear that Iraq overshadows Afghanistan in the public consciousness, but it seems as though over the past few years the term “overshadows” has become somewhat of an understatement. Here’s the situation over there as told by the Inquirer:
As far back as 2004, Time Magazine published a cover story whose online component was titled: “Remember Afghanistan?” And then there was this New York Times 2005 editorial titled: “Afghanistan’s Forgotten War.” Now, in 2008, we’re still wondering if Afghanistan is forgotten. But, why? Is it simply because of less media coverage? Is it because of Iraq? Is it because people don’t care, don’t understand, or don’t have enough energy to follow two U.S. wars at the same time?
…By the Pentagon’s latest count, the armed forces have suffered 489 deaths so far. And still troops arrive: The number in Afghanistan exceeds 34,000, with 7,500 additional men and women requested.
The U.S. troops are part of a 40-nation force expanded from 40,000 in fall 2006 to nearly 70,000 today. Last year was the deadliest since 2001, according to the United Nations, which reported 8,000 fatalities, including 1,500 civilians.
Whatever the reason, the violence still continues. Yesterday came word that U.S. Marines recently deployed to Afghanistan, launched a major operation attacking a Taliban-held town in the violent Helmand region. According to the Associated Press, this was the furthest south U.S. forces had operated in years:
Also yesterday, Canada’s Globe and Mail Newspaper published an opinion piece by Brigadier General Dennis Tabbernor, deputy commanding general, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. The paper posed the question: “Is Afghanistan Worth It?,” and he answered in part:
As of today, here are the latest casualty figures according to Reuters:
Instead, the lives of most Afghans are lived peacefully, with increasing access to basic services, the prospect of a representative and responsive government at the local, regional and national levels. The economy rewards honest work, and the possibility of education exists for their children.
More than 200 foreign troops were killed in Afghanistan last year and 50 foreign troops have been killed so far this year. Here are figures for foreign military deaths as a result of violence or accidents in Afghanistan since the Taliban government was toppled in late 2001:
NATO/U.S.-LED COALITION FORCES:
United States 494 Britain 94 Canada 82 Germany 26 Spain 23 Netherlands 16 Other nations 66 TOTAL: 801
So, is Afghanistan forgotten by the average American? You’re comments and answers are welcome.
