Is the US Press Killing Our Soldiers?

I read today's Washington Post story titled "Pakistan and U.S. Have Tacit Deal On Airstrikes" and was aghast once again about how the press apparently undermines US foreign policy. One should not be surprised about this previously secret understanding with Pakistan to root out al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists. What is surprising is that the press felt compelled to publicize the fact. Actually, one should not be surprised at all since the press has a history of revealing information that at the least is sensitive and at the worst causes significant harm to the United States.

Admittedly, there is a bit of confusion in the story. Information is attributed to "senior officials" of both the US and Pakistani governments. Were they confronted with the story and had little choice but to comment? Were they purposely leaking sensitive information? What benefits, if any, will be conferred upon the the governments of either country? I'd like to think that information was extracted from Pakistani officials prior to any approaches to US sources.

Perhaps I am missing something, but this story makes me angry and tearful as it appears to have no redeeming value, except to highlight the writing of the two left-leaning authors. What benefit does it have? It benefits al-Qaeda and the Taliban. It places another roadblock in the efforts of the United States to fight terrorism. But worst of all, if the program of striking al-Qaeda and the Taliban in areas where they feel safe is derailed or terminated, it will indirectly result in the deaths of our soldiers.

I would love to have these journalists address an audience composed of soldiers and their families. Probably the question to be asked is, why are you doing this?" Why would you want to contribute to the success of our enemies? Is your right to report on this program more important than the life of my husband, wife, father brother or other family member? Do you feel any responsibility for your actions? Do you know you are providing support to our enemies? Do you care? The same could be asked of any "senior officials" that may have taken it upon themselves to leak information.

There are many other questions, but suffice it to say that I believe that they, and others of their ilk, are contributing to the deaths of our soldiers. Shame on them, the Washington Post and any others responsible for this "leak". It certainly appears as if this article rises to the level of journalistic murder.

The irony is that our armed forces will continue the fight to protect our homeland and the rights of these journalists and others to freely report, even if their right to report is not accomplished in a responsible manner. They and their families can sleep better at night because our armed forces seek to protect them, even at the risk of dying because they undermine their efforts.