U.S. Airstrikes are Justified

Despite President Obama’s declaration in 2014 that the war in Afghanistan was over, American troops are still overseas, and still in danger. While they are there, they have been operating strategic airstrikes and raids to combat terrorism and protect troops. To some, these airstrikes are unnecessary and wrong.

There have been 128 airstrikes and 40 Special Operations raids in the first three months of this year. While the official reasoning for these airstrikes and raids have been targeting terrorists and protecting troops, Western military officials speaking under conditions of anonymity, have said, “They are putting guys on the ground in places to justify the airstrikes. It’s not force protection when they are going on the offensive.” However, the top American Commander in Afghanistan, General John F. Campbell denies he has put troops in harms way to allow for airstrikes.

Back home in the U.S., citizens and officials are concerned that the U.S. military is going against the wishes of it’s Commander in Chief, President Obama, by continuing airstrikes and raids after President Obama said the war was over. However General Campbell also said that, “Combat and war and transition, as you know, it’s a very complex thing. For me, it’s not black and white.” This statement is very true. The U.S. can’t pack up and leave Afghanistan in one day, especially after its continued presence for over 10 years. It’s a slow and gradual transition, and since troops are still there, airstrikes and raids are necessary for the protection of troops and Afghan citizens.

Besides protecting troops, American officials have been asked by Afghan President Ashraf Ghandi to help train Afghan troops and help with strategies. Although we may not like it back at home, it would be terrible if American troops denied helping Afghan troops while we are in there country, even if it puts our troops in danger.

While some people are concerned and frustrated with the American airstrikes and raids occurring in Afghanistan, I personally am not. Because our troops are still there training Afghan troops, they must defend themselves and the troops they are training, even if that means airstrikes against enemy targets. Furthermore, the spread of ISIS from Syria into neighboring countries has complicated the situation in the entire region. Of course I wish the airstrikes weren’t happening and our troops and family members were safe, but while we still have a presence in Afghanistan we must continue to fight terrorism.

The NSA is Probably Reading This...

One issue that is very controversial is whether or not the NSA and other national agencies are collecting our information, and whether that violates our privacy. Mr. Alek S. Ortiz wrote his opinion on his blog, which can be found here. 

I agree with Mr. Ortiz's position. I think it’s important not to judge the situation so quickly. While it may be uncomfortable to think about, maintaining national security is not always so black and white; there is a lot of gray area. If the NSA is gathering information from my texts and emails, I am not too concerned. One, because I have nothing to hide in the first place, and two because like you said, if they prevent terrible situations or at least monitor suspicious activity, then I’m not too upset about it.  

Another thing I find interesting about this issue is how people think that it is something new. Spies have existed since the first civilization started on Earth, and they are never going to go away. I am not saying we should accept being spied on (especially from private parties!) but I am saying that if our national intelligence agencies is using information to keep me safe, then I’m at least glad they’re using it to protect us.

Of course we can’t assume they are using it for something good. There is definitely a possibility that they are breaking laws, and our privacy is being violated. But, one thing we also need to consider is, they are getting this information from technology. And even if our texts and tweets are technically private, we are still sending them to a satellite somewhere. We need to accept the fact that anything we put on technology of any kind can be found. That’s why we don’t go around emailing our Social Security Number!

While technology has provided new ways for our information and conversations to be monitored, it’s important to remember that in order to protect our nation, our intelligence agencies may need to use some morally ambiguous tactics. And, if you don’t want anyone to steal your information, don’t put it on the Internet.

President Obama Makes Deal With Iran

On April 2, President Obama announced an historic nuclear deal with Iran. Discussions have been ongoing for two years, in pursuit of President Obama’s goal to improve US-Iranian relations since his election in 2008. In the agreement, Iran has promised they will not produce nuclear weapons, and will also allow America to come into their country and investigate to verify their compliance. In exchange, America’s sanctions will be lifted, allowing Iran to trade with America and other countries. President Obama appeared confident, saying that the deal “cuts off every pathway” for Iran to make nuclear weapons, and “if Iran cheats, the world will know it.”

While Iranians are thrilled about the prospect of the sanctions being lifted, citizens in nearby countries are more hesitant that the deal will work. Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states are concerned that this deal allows Iran to keep much of their nuclear plans and materials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to President Obama and was not convinced despite the President’s strong support of the deal. Prime minister Netanyahu claimed “A deal based on this framework would threaten the survival of Israel.”

Despite President Obama’s obvious elation, the Republican Congress is not thrilled. What President Obama seems to be ignoring is the 1979 sanctions put on Iran were made by Congress, and he will need Congressional approval to lift them. With a Republican majority, this seems unlikely.

While President Obama is thrilled by this “accomplishment,” I am not convinced this is in our country’s best interest. Besides valid concerns from countries like Israel, and President Obama’s bypassing Congressional involvement and approval, many details have to be worked out before this deal can be effective or trusted. And this agreement aligns the US with an enemy while ignoring the concerns of our allies in the region.

My first thought after reading about the agreement was a quote from the 2008 movie Iron Man. In one of his most famous quotes, the villain says, “Tony Stark was able to build this in a cave! With a box of scraps! “ after a scientist says the technology doesn’t exist. While this quote from a superhero movie may not be directly associated with real foreign affairs, it does seem relevant. I know nothing about building nuclear weapons, but I do know that any country, including Iran, could possibly build one without the United States knowing. Even if they didn’t build in their official labs, it seems possible they could build one in a cave, or other secret location, with a box of scraps, just like Tony Stark.

While I am not opposed to agreements and deals, I have problems with the way President Obama left Congress out of this one, as well as ignoring their needed involvement for ratification. I also do not believe that this particular agreement is “historic” or helpful, as it endangers other countries, and is completely based on Iran’s word. Discussions will continue and will be finalized on June 30.