Rising Concern Over U.S. Deaths in Afghanistan

Changes in the course of the Afghanistan occupation mean U.S. troops find themselves at increased risk these days.

In July and August, the number of Afghan civilians killed by coalition forces was 19, compared with 151 for the same two months last year. Over the same period, U.S. troop deaths in the war more than doubled -- 96 this year, compared with 42 last year.

Many see this change as reason to worry the new procedures may be giving the Taliban increased opportunity. Members of Congress, family members of troops, and others across the nation are seeing the increased risk and expressing concern.

The question remains how long will we continue to put our forces at risk for what appears to be a losing cause? Why cannot we leave the country or change to a course that promises much better results without all the military force? Democracy or any such change will not be instilled from outside the nation. That idea has not worked at any point in history and is not likely to work today. The Soviets failed once in Afghanistan and now the U.S. is following the same downward slide.

According to recent polls Americans support for continued use of troops in Afghanistan is waning with a majority of Democrats favoring bringing our troops home. I stand firmly in that corner. We have no more children to lose.

Peace.