Although enthusiasm for the Iraq war has gone south, most people still claim to “Support Our Troops.” The problem with this sentiment is how it includes at least five meanings. My position depends on which one is intended.
Support in a complete and total sense. In other words, unconditional support, like the love that parents should have for their children. Do I support the troops without question, under absolutely any circumstances, just because they are American soldiers? No, I do not.
Support for the troops’ mission in Iraq. Ostensibly, US forces were sent to fight terrorism and the specter of WMDs. Laudable goals, were they true. But as has been amply demonstrated, there are no WMDs, and the proposed Saddam-Al Qaeda link was a fabrication. As for the war being waged to advance freedom, there are plenty of other despots who the US is quite happy to leave alone (and even encourage); Saddam Hussein numbered among them at one time. The war has destabilized Iraq, turning it into fertile ground for terrorists. The US is not safer for the Iraqi invasion — it is dramatically less so — and the cost in lives and money has been huge. So, no, I don’t support the troops’ mission in Iraq.
Support of the troops’ performance and conduct. I don’t support the political or military leaders on this at all. The decision to invade was a bad one, and there was a massive underestimation of Iraqi resistance and how to best overcome it. The post-invasion phase was badly bungled. And the current situation is bleak: a flat-out civil war appears imminent, and the body count mounts. All of this points to a massive failure in leadership.
As for the soldiers’ conduct and performance, it’s difficult for a civilian, 5000 miles away, to evaluate. How can I tell if the troops are doing a good job? There certainly have been plenty of mistakes, but it is a war after all, not a softball game. I can’t say I support the troops’ performance, but I wouldn’t be too quick to criticize it either, given the situation they are in and my distance from it.
Supporting the troops literally, i.e., by sending them things. I haven’t done this, but I credit civilians who send food, eye drops and bulletproof vests, and other items to soldiers. They at least put their money where their mouth is. But do the administration and the Pentagon — witness the highly publicized problems involving insufficient armor on trucks — support the troops?
Support as in hoping the troops return home safely. Of course — I don’t want to see US soldiers die or get maimed, nor do I want Iraqis to get killed. I wouldn’t want to be in the soldiers’ shoes, and it must be extremely difficult to serve in Iraq.
My “Support our Troops” scorecard is therefore mixed. Perhaps stickers bearing this message should have five boxes suitable for checking off. Better yet, let’s give it a rest — “Support Our Troops” reduces the debate about the war to a question of perceived patriotism, conflating support for the troops and love of country with support for the war.
