Suddenly the whole world is watching – and waiting to learn what’s next for the U.S. in Afghanistan. Who would’ve guessed? Certainly not I. After all – only a year ago, Afghan War coverage was buried deep in the bowels of newspapers. It received only passing mention on cable channels. It certainly wasn’t the focus of office water cooler discussions across America. Remember? It had even been dubbed “The Forgotten War.”
Believe me, I know. Last year, I had just returned from a tour in Afghanistan, and was surprised to discover that few people seemed interested in my personal experience as a soldier – let alone our nation’s commitment to larger goals in that part of the world.
Afghanistan – Is it “In” or “Out”?
I began to understand commentary declaring, “America’s military is at war – while America is at the mall.” And last year, as economic upheaval began to jeopardize the livelihood of families across the nation, it seemed that foreign wars would remain on the backburner of the American psyche.
Until the price tag began to seem too steep. Fast-forward to today. For the past 3 months, Afghanistan coverage has been featured front-and-center on every newspaper, cable channel and website – while our country anxiously waited to learn President Obama’s military strategy.
Decision Time for Obama – But Will America Follow?
Finally tonight, the White House will reveal details of its decision on troop levels, and the rationale supporting it. Many facts about “what” he intends to do have already been leaked. But I can only hope that our nation listens closely to what our Commander in Chief says today about “why” he has chosen this direction.
I realize that the public’s disinterest stems directly from recent distractions much closer to home. It’s not surprising that Americans have grown weary of a war that seems so remote, so costly, and so far removed from the 9/11 attacks almost a decade ago. How can we continue to justify this price – in both financial and human capital?
War – Neither Cheap Nor Easy
For many Americans, that’s the core issue. Just as our household budgets can’t afford a tank of gas right now, it seems we simply can’t afford conflict in Afghanistan. And yet, at the same time, it seems this war is one we can’t afford to lose.
That’s precisely why I wrote a book about my experience as a soldier – so I could help Americans understand what I discovered while I fought to protect the freedoms our nation holds dear.
Military Books – Not Yet Flying Off the Shelves
In publishing a military book (”Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan”), I’ve joined the ranks of a new breed of nonfiction authors – those who’ve “been there and done that,” and feel compelled to enlighten an American public that is out-of-sync with our experience. A whole new cottage industry of blogs and books has sprouted – thanks to the miracle of digital technology, and the reality of war.
I realize that, despite the recent spotlight on the U.S. presence in Afghanistan, “war stories” simply don’t hold the same appeal as vampire and werewolf tales that permeate our popular culture. So I don’t expect to retire on revenues from my book!
But that was never my intention.
My Mission is My Message
Instead, I hope that something I write may actually be of some help to others. Who knows? Perhaps it will comfort a family that lost a loved one in the fight. Or possibly it will inform a young student who aspires to make America a better citizen of the world community. It might fall into the hands of a political leader, and inspire him to work more collaboratively toward a viable foreign policy agenda. Or it might even, in a small, unforeseen way, help bridge the divide between Muslim and Christian cultures.
I do know this – if my book moves even one person to recognize the importance of assisting those who are too poor and oppressed to defend themselves, then it will have been worth the effort.
If that is what my message is meant to do, then it is enough.
The Road Ahead
So, like the rest of the country, I’m eager to hear from our president, as he moves forward in the way he feels serves the best interests of our nation, and the world. And whatever America’s role will be in shaping Afghanistan’s future, I look forward to contributing – in whatever small way I can.
I hope other soldiers will join me. And I hope our country will join me, too.
Jeff
(For more insights about what troops face on the ground in Afghanistan, check out my book, “Afghan Journal: A Soldier’s Year in Afghanistan.” Learn more at the Afghan Journal website. Or order it at Amazon.com.)
