Troop Levels In Afghanistan

By: Stephen Zawatski

What’s going on?

• When al-Qaeda prompted the September 11, 2011 attacks, the United States and allied forces immediately retaliated. This led to the Taliban regime, strictly concealing the terrorist group’s leadership. The Taliban targeted Western troops from Afghanistan, who now go against U.S. troops. The billions of dollars spent on training and accommodations for soldiers is entirely too high. Not to mention, the physical and psychological toll the war brings upon troops is horrific. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an impact on soldiers after the war because of what he/she might have experienced on the battlefield. Should the United States keep funding this everlasting war in Afghanistan by increasing troop levels, or should the government withdraw soldiers from war zones?

Thesis Statement

• Increasing troop levels in Afghanistan and becoming involved in foreign affairs is not advisable and could worsen the situation in various ways.

Supporting Argument

• Afghanistan is unpromising. The United States’ attacks against Afghanistan on their homeland are nearly impossible to achieve and conquer. Only by utilizing international relations to resolve problems in the Middle East will steadily be achieved.

Counter Argument

• If we do not take control of Afghanistan possibly the war would enter our country

Supporting Argument

• “why are there troops in Afghanistan?” Initially, troops were sent to Afghanistan locate and execute Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Troops were also placed here to destroy the Taliban and drug cartel. Following this, soldiers occupied Afghanistan to set up a democracy. The retaliation is expected when the United States is using such aggressive tactics against the Taliban.

Counter Argument

• Being in Afghanistan and taking control of the deadly leaders of the country is safer for the United States and its people. Also we have to be aggressive to show dominance and power over other country’s.

Supporting Argument

• Over $4.4 trillion has been spent on the war in Afghanistan over the last 15 years (Costs of War, 2011). With the incredible deficit the federal government is facing, the troops in Afghanistan should return home. Furthermore, the war is obsolete, meaning that there is no point for the United States to occupy Afghanistan. The Afghani government and terrorist groups are not a threat to the U.S. National Security.

Counter Arguments

• The cost of war has no meaning especially when it comes to keeping our country safe. We need to be the strongest and take control of these other world country’s to keep us protected.

Conclusion

• After doing research about the troop level withdrawal from the Afghanistan war, it is the federal government’s best interest to withdraw the troops from the war. The federal deficit is enough reason why the United States should no longer support the war in Afghanistan. End the war, and the United States will not have foreign relations with Afghanistan.