"Obama's Afghan Escapade"
By: Alex Neilson
Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: Opinion
The gap between Americans' actual views and the views that are represented in the mainstream media is particularly troubling because if there is going to be any meaningful discussion of U.S. military policy it must be spearheaded by media groups. Much has been made of American political apathy-that in the face of billions of dollars of corporate bailouts and misguided wars we sit idly by-but how can individuals be expected to actively protest their plights if their source of information (the media) marginalizes their views and sides so singly with centrist government? The Afghan troop escalation has evoked fiery responses in the independent media, but those voices are woefully ineffectual if they are not echoed along larger avenues.
The American troop presence in Afghanistan will soon enter its eighth year. President Obama, who could well have this war define his presidency, has described the situation there as "increasingly perilous." Pakistan's instability is deepening and drawing more attention. Our domestic financial picture is dire as billions still flow into war efforts in the Middle East. For those reasons and more the need for a serious discussion and explanation of military plans in Afghanistan is readily apparent.
The American troop presence in Afghanistan will soon enter its eighth year. President Obama, who could well have this war define his presidency, has described the situation there as "increasingly perilous." Pakistan's instability is deepening and drawing more attention. Our domestic financial picture is dire as billions still flow into war efforts in the Middle East. For those reasons and more the need for a serious discussion and explanation of military plans in Afghanistan is readily apparent.
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