Horrors of war

To the Editor:

In Vietnam, 60,000 Americans were killed and 300,000 wounded — 1 of 8 who served — sometimes, 10,000 a month. Every night, evening news brought us scenes from the war, and tallied the dead and wounded.

Americans felt the pain of that war. It was the death of their sons. It was in our faces every night. Millions marched in protest, and Richard Nixon was forced to pull out.

American troops withdrew. South Vietnamese troops continued. Eventually, they lost. The fall of Saigon happened slowly over many months, but was still chaos — much worse than Kabul. Only 7,000 were evacuated.

After the horror of Vietnam, for 25 years, we didn't start any wars. We defended Kuwait, but we didn't attack Iraq or remove Sadam. Stability required a stalemate between Iran and Iraq.

Bush and Cheney envisioned an American Empire. Like Rome, we'd conquer, install puppet governments serving U.S. interests, and support them with U.S. soldiers — permanently. “We're spreading democracy.” Nonsense! Democracy cannot work without common roots and shared goals.

Afghanistan was never a nation. Seventy percent is small villages, ruled by local tribal leaders, who never accepted the corrupt Kabul government. In 20 years of war, countless Afghan civilians were killed — men, women and children — without warning and without cause. For most Afghans, living under Taliban control was better than more war.

Two million Afghans and 20,000 Americans left months ago. Many chose to stay — hoping the Afghan army would hold. It's hard to leave your entire life behind. Afghan troops and their U.S. weapons had to stay. Otherwise, the chaotic end just happens sooner.

Lost wars end in chaos. It's inevitable. Only now — in the inevitable chaos — are Americans feeling the pain and horror of this war. These images must be burned into our souls. Wars have a terrible cost.

Marvin Keshner

Sonora