How a Measured Response Became Two Wars

2,974 people died in the attacks on September 11th, 2001. 4,775 American servicemen and women have died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. By conservative estimates, between 43,000 and 113,000 Iraqi civilians have died since major combat operations began in 2003. Is this a measured response?

After September 11th, there was major support for military action. It was clear that a message had to be sent and justice had to be sought. Precision strikes on Afghanistan and major moves to dissolve the Taliban stronghold were carried out. In fairly short time, progress was made: the Taliban was taken from power, major leaders in the unit were captured, and new plans for attacks were thwarted. Although Osama Bin Laden remains at large, his network was critically destabilized.

Our reasons for beginning operations in Afghanistan were justified, and yet the Administration and the American public have put those concerns on the back-burner. On the other hand, it is fairly well-documented that our reasons for going to war with Iraq--weapons of mass destruction--were unfounded and possibly fabricated. What caused the Administration and the American people to buy into a staggeringly expensive military campaign in the Middle East?

Fear.

It's far more likely that you'll die walking across the street, in a fire, drowning, falling, being murdered, or in an car accident than in a terrorist attack. But we are absolutely terrified of terror.

The sad fact is that the Administration duped its citizens in an unprecedented power-grab. By raising terror levels, spreading hate and fear, mobilizing smear campaigns against all those opposed--remember the 'axis of evil' and 'you're either with us or against us!'--, and basing all major decisions on the interest of national security, the Bush Administration successfully managed to stretch the limits of the Constitution.

Our military might defines America. Not only has this Administration undermined our literal strength, it has changed the global perspective on the United States. No longer are we the country of mercy, tolerance, and acceptance. We are not 'liberators.' We are aggressive, backward-thinking thugs.

Our military should be used to defend our interests and out borders, surely. But, what about the situation in Darfur? What about the other humanitarian crises in Zimbabwe, the Philippines, and Somalia?

Our 'measured response' to 9/11 continues today. The consequences of these wars--especially in Iraq--have broad and deep implications: ethnic unrest in Iraq, destabilization in neighboring countries--Iran, for example--, a spike in veterans' claims and aid, and continued disdain for the US in Iraq. It's not only time to leave Iraq--it's time to move our forces into areas that need support. We must curb the resurgent Taliban, and we must work toward solving humanitarian crises in the Third World.

We are the United States and we are powerful. It's time to treat that power respectfully and restore our reputation in the global community.