As Police or Partner, What is our role?

As Police or Partner, What is our role?

The situation within the U.S. today is manifesting as a constant state of fluctuation. Nations once taunted as our enemies, are openly being pursued as partners through trade and diplomacy. Vietnam and Libya are two countries coming to mind. Whereas nations once publicly proclaimed allies, the United States is presently waging two wars. Iraq, before the fall of Saddam, and Afghanistan being the principle parties. It is within this inconsistent friend or foe status the question arises: "When utilizing our military within the borders of other nations, is our presence there as a partner or the police?"

Regarding Iraq, a nation invaded by the United States without neither launching an attack against it nor having threatened to do so, is an example of the "Bush Doctrine." The doctrine authorizes the United States to initiate first strikes against other countries considered a menace to our society or national interests. Even now, as our military patrol within the borders of this sovereign nation, the operation has been characterized as one of "policing" with attempts of winning the "hearts and minds" of the populace. With the terms being negotiated between each nation for a U.S. troop withdrawal, our desire to maintain diplomatic, economic, and militaristic partners with Iraq is a profound one.

The issue pertaining to Afghanistan is different in nature. In this scenario, the United States invaded a nation that reportedly hosted the Al-Qaida leader, Osama bin Laden, proclaimed by President Bush to be the mastermind behind the attack on the Twin Towers. Bear in mind, Osama bin Laden was supplied arms by the United States in support of its' Jihad to fight the Soviet Unions' occupation of the country. The Al-Qaida leader, as of this writing, remains at large. In the leadership role of the country is a man supported as well as appointed by the United States, President Hamis Karzai. Because to the country's developing army inability to stabilize the region, our military presence substantiates his presidency as we wage war against terror on Afghanistan's soil. Is this being carried out in the role of Police or Partner? History will have to decide.

In the future, I personally hope whomever resides in the Oval Office prays and ponders long and hard prior to deploying our armed forces in harms way again. And if compelled to do so, specify the task to be accomplished. Few things could be more frustrating for a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, or Airman than a mission undefined.