Abandon counterinsurgency

“Lily Pad” bases may be established in Iraq. These would put American military personnel closer to ISIS. They would be supported by Iraqi troops who have consistently chosen flight over fight. It would simply be a matter of time before our soldiers become ISIS captives, get abused, even killed before our Internet eyes.

Total war would probably be our response. We need to ask ourselves what are our national interests in the Middle East, and what are we prepared to do about them. Otherwise, we are drifting toward another Vietnam-style conflict that could erupt into a cataclysm. This would be great if you long for the end of days, but would be dreadful for the rest of us.

We must abandon counterinsurgency strategy that was born in Vietnam, has never worked and will never work. We have abused our armed forces by placing them in impossible places with a confusing and confounding strategy, and abandoning them when they need medical care. We must insist that the president and the Congress seriously engage this vital issue. Our collective indifference is inexcusable and extremely dangerous. This would be funny if it were not so stupid.

David Webb

Spokane