A helping hand

Each day the men and women of the U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan not only fight the enemy, but they also put their sweat and energy into projects to improve the lives of Iraqi and Afghan citizens.

In Anbar Province, Marines of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 have partnered with Dr. Dhea Mijwal Shami Maadahidi, an Iraqi surgeon and manager of Rutbah General Hospital, to provide medical assistants to residents of the outlying cities of Nukayb and Akashat.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to go to these towns and provide health assistance that is hard to come by for those people,” said Dhea. “I always like to do good things for people and increase their hope in my work.”

The Marines will provide logistical support and security.

This little story represent just one of the thousands of ways the U.S. continues to make a difference in the lives of Iraqi and Afghan people.

Granted, much work remains. Many areas in both countries still lack basic infrastructure.

This is why we must not quit before the we complete the mission.

We cannot win the war on terror simply by killing bad guys. The bigger picture consists of creating stable governments in these countries.

The popular position on the left right now consists of pulling out of Iraq and sending more troops to Afghanistan. In reality, some draw down of forces in Iraq probably makes sense, and we clearly need more troops in Afghanistan.

But I have little doubt that this is simply political posturing. Within months, the Dems will start crying to pull American troops out of Afghanistan as well.

The sad truth is that many American lack the fortitude win this war.

Politicians who would simply walk away from what they call a "failed policy" seem to have no regard to the damage that it would do, not only to American security, but the people of Iraq as well.