Americans Should Feel Sad About Involvement in War

COMMENTARY | The war between the United States and Iraq is drawing to a close. Although we can be proud of this, we should mainly feel sad about our involvement. Before we invaded Iraq in March 2003, I watched then-President George W. Bush on television trying to make his case for the invasion. He talked about preventing Iraq from using weapons of mass destruction. The CIA's final report said that those weapons were not found.

According to the Associated Press, President Barack Obama sought to declare a noble end to a war that led to almost 4,500 American fatalities and 32,000 injuries by declaring that the conflict was ending "not with a final battle, but with a final march toward home." Iraqbodycount.org says that the number of Iraqis who died in this conflict ranges anywhere from 104,080 to 113,728. These figures are appalling. I do not see anything noble about this war. It was started without having solid evidence of Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. Secondly, that country neither bothered us nor presented an imminent danger to us. Also, not too many nations supported our invasion. According to About.com Guide, the only nation that provided significant support to the United States was Britain with its 7,100 troops. I do not think it is a good idea to unilaterally start a war.

This war was tragic. Tens of thousands of people on both sides have lost their lives or been seriously wounded. This situation makes me recall the story of Tammy Duckworth losing both of her legs in the war. Veterans who have been seriously wounded like her might have to deal with having a poor quality of life until they die. Additionally, we lost acceptance throughout the world.

The massive loss of life, severe injuries to those on both sides of the war and the contempt we have received around the world helped turn me against the war. Besides, I generally do not support wars. I will conclude by admitting I do not think any nation should be attacked if it is not causing trouble or threatening to cause trouble.