In Iraq, Shades of Vietnam

by **RamblerNash** Tue Jul 12, 2016 11:40 pm

In Iraq, Shades of Vietnam

JULY 12, 2016

To the Editor:

Re “U.S. Will Deploy More Troops to Iraq to Help Retake Mosul” (news article, July 12):

Can you say “quagmire”? How about “mission creep”?

The announcement of more troops to Iraq and the previously announced slowing of troop withdrawals from Afghanistan reflect the paradigm established in the war in Vietnam: tactics, tactics, tactics, but no viable political endgame of reconciliation possible.

Perpetual conflict in pursuit of an unwinnable war on “terror” has led to tens of thousands of casualties and more than a million veterans applying for disability. The cost of war also showed itself when a veteran of Afghanistan went on a killing spree in Dallas.

Military leaders will always ask for more troops because that’s what they do. But in supporting two of the most corrupt governments in the world, let’s remember the costs of Vietnam.

American participation in perpetual conflict in failed states is stupid.

STEPHEN F. DESMOND

Providence, R.I.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/13/opinion/in-iraq-shades-of-vietnam.html?_r=1