It's over. As of December 15, 2011 the war officially came to an end. Eight years, 270 days long. 4,484 American Soldiers, Marines, Airman, & Sailors killed. Over 30,000 wounded. As of the end of 2009 (the most up to date statistics I could find) there were 1,091 amputees due to Operation Iraq Freedom or better known as the Iraqi War.
The question has to be asked, "Was it worth it?" Was fighting this war for over 8 years worth all the separation from family and friends, all the treasury, all the blood, all the body parts, all the lives ... What did we accomplish? Have we left Iraq strong and free? Enough to stand on their own as a democratic American ally willing to be influenced by America?
The answer to the question "Was it worth it?" can easily be answered with a second question -- "Would the people of America allow this war to happen again knowing the length, the loss, the cost, and the outcome?" For those who do not have a clue as to the sacrifice that has been made, or to what has not been accomplished I will answer the question. ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
And NO, after all of these years of frittering away money, lives and years, Iraq in no way is able to be an effective American ally. The Iranian influences and pressures are already beginning to overwhelm the people of Iraq -- as already being reported today's news reporters. Now that the American military is gone, Iraq will quickly become a puppet country to the Iranians. Yes, we have set ourselves up to once again go to war -- this time with Iran.
The day is coming when America will have little choice but to blow the Iraqi capitol city, Tehran, all over the countryside. But even then, given little or no choice, I am afraid the US politicians will not do the right thing, but instead chose to put the American military in harms way. Chose to once again order our military men and women to pay a horrific price -- in the name of freedom.
Let the following pictures tell a part of the story of the last eight-plus years.
