Sad end: It is time for hope and care as Afghanistan ends

We are seeing a glimpse of the future in Afghanistan.

The recent unrest, which is really no different from the previous unrest, suggests that perhaps it might be time for a different strategy in that nation. But we should make those changes with care.

The last thing this country needs is to be perceived as weak. We have to take great care as we listen to politicians announce major military cutbacks and tout the plan to take a more reserved role in world affairs.

Sure, it would be nice to be able to say "we're out." And, perhaps we will be able to do that someday. But for now, we can't be, not and keep our own future safe.

Does that mean that troops should stay put? Probably not. But it does not mean we should be advertising our military cutbacks, not now.

The truth is that the terrorists and the radical Islamists capitalize on two factors -- distrust of the United States and a perception that this country is weak and unwilling to do the hard work and to make the tough decisions that are necessary to win.

And that is dangerous.

The goal of the powers that be in Washington should not be to have this nation well-liked around the globe. The United States should be perceived as standing firm with its allies, while aggressively defending its people.

No touchy-feely hand holding here.

We cannot afford it.

Published in Editorials on March 12, 2012 10:46 AM