Hello Folks,

I am a newbie here but feel I have some things to share that most do not. For the past 4+ years, I have lived and worked in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I am a civilian contractor. I am also an Electrical Engineer who specializes in power systems.

I have been involved in numerous rocket and motar attacks. On my last assignment in Afghanistan, I was actually issued a 9mm Taurus, and once, whilst during an attack, they threw me an AK-47.

My perspectives on the wars comes from being there and getting to know the native peoples. You might be surprised by some of the things that don't seem to make the nightly news.

Anyway, feel free to ask me anything, and I will give you my best response.

Should we be in Afghanistan?
That's my first question and a serious one. I backed each President all the way on each of the recent wars since Bush Sr, but I would like to hear your views on the matter.
Thanks.

__________________
Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power.

First, would you please merge this thread into the existing one on Afghanistan?

Salty I agree with pn on the combine. As it will help both of us to word our replys to questions as you put forth....

2 work better than one.

And pn has his own stories to share which our guest readers would love to hear about I am sure. As for him being a newbie once he finds the thanks button that will pass.

__________________
"There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation... One is by sword... The other is by debt."

John Adams 1826

[Moderator mode]Thanks for the input guys. The title of this section is "History, Geography, & Military " and redd made it that way with both your type threads in mind. Many people go to mlurp's thread to see or give news updates but if a breaking big news story happens or there's an op ed that is more specific it's OK to start a single thread on it.
There is so much coming out of the wars sometimes that a big thread still seems warranted, but let's leave this one where it is as it has a specific theme.
Thanks,
Salty [/moderator]

__________________
Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power.

So pn thread stays where it is at.

But then salty your post made sense (till the others posting in it ) and you know I respect your decisions.

__________________
"There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation... One is by sword... The other is by debt."

John Adams 1826

So what is your take on the above, Mr pensacola?

__________________
Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs, we should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power.

mlurp, I will contribute to your thread if you want me to. I agree with the mod to keep this thread seperate.

To answer your question, after watching the "R's" Security Debates, I cme to the conclusion that yes we do belong there.

If only to keep both Pakistan & Iran out for a while longer. As for Force Projection, yes on it to.

This world has changed a whole hell of a lot and not for the best interest for the worlds population.

As the one main force for good ( not always but maybe in our future ) along with our Western friends as some in the NATO Security council are not good friends, as in the UN.

Whom is to help hold some of these counties back from complete self destruction taking out many others in their doing.

I came full circle, from a Vet who though lied to keep the warrior spirit. To anti war. Now back to what is truth, the warrior spirit is needed.

__________________
"There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation... One is by sword... The other is by debt."

John Adams 1826

Anytime you have something I haven't already used be my guest. And if you have a question or want to debate a point please do pn... And I am sure you will find something I came late or missed, so yes please do post it.

__________________
"There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation... One is by sword... The other is by debt."

John Adams 1826