freeSpeech: Katrina vanden Heuvel

The Nation Publisher Speaks Out About the Cost Of War In Iraq

(CBS)  What has been the cost of our undeclared and unprovoked war in Iraq?

Let us begin with life itself – more than 2,700 of our men and women killed, over 20,000 wounded. This is a cost that has caused grief for families that nothing can heal.

Nor should we forget, some 100,000 dead and wounded Iraqis. And the financial cost – over $400 billion has now been spent for this war. That fiscal recklessness has already burdened generations of Americans to come.

The administration nonetheless justifies the war and its costs in the name of national security. But the reality is that this war has so weakened and demoralized the U.S. military that even retired military leaders have risen in unprecedented revolt.

Moreover, 16 of our own intelligence services now tell us that the war has only increased the terrorist threat.

And then there is the incalculable cost to America's reputation. We have lost the respect of allies who once looked to us as a beacon of hope — not fear.

Nor should we ignore the grave costs to our democracy at home. We have permitted an executive branch to seize unprecedented power, subverting our constitutional system of checks and balances, and even sanction torture. And from its inception, truth and accountability has been this war’s victims.

Despite all these costs, we are told that we must stay the course. By any rational and humane reckoning, it is time to end this misadventure.

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Katrina vanden Heuvel has been The Nation's editor since 1995 and publisher since 2005.

She is the co-editor of "Taking Back America--And Taking Down The Radical Right" (NationBooks, 2004) and, most recently, editor of "The Dictionary of Republicanisms," (NationBooks, 2005.

She is also co-editor (with Stephen F. Cohen) of "Voices of Glasnost: Interviews with Gorbachev's Reformers" (Norton, 1989) and editor of "The Nation: 1865-1990," and the collection "A Just Response: The Nation on Terrorism, Democracy and September 11, 2001." Vanden Heuvel was also co-editor of Vyi i Myi, a Russian-language feminist newsletter.

[scottish26]

Have to love King George's reply though to that figure of 600k plus in Iraqis dead.

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Oh no it isn't that high that's just not right for it to be that high. It's me that's high instead in my fantasy land of what life really is like. But in regards to those number nope not even close cause that's not what I want the American people and the world to know.

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I doubt King George knows how to tell the truth and not have some sort of spin and smoke screens on it. If I was Barb I would be hanging my head in shame. Every time I see King George's face it always has that smug little grin on it like he knows what he's saying is false. Like ha they won't see right through me if I smuggly smile at them.

[jimc52]

According to The Oregonian (10/11/06), the death toll for Iraqui's is estimated at between 400,000 and 700,000 since our invasion. Does national security justify the death of nearly 1 million people? Many of them are innocent civilians, men, woman and children killed every day. The Republicans like to take all the credit for ending the cold war. I want to know who President's Truman, Kennedy, Johnson and Carter were during those 60 years of Cold War. If you think the Democrats aren't patriotic, what about those presidents and over 40 years of Democratic Leadership in the Congress during those years? It was John Foster Dullas, who got us involved in Vietnam in the 1950's under Eisenhaur...both Republicans. Most Americans don't know their own history or allow distortionists and propagandists to form their opinions. The fact is, that the Republicans don't have any answers for the horrible mess THEY have created out of their own arrogant, narrow-minded and bigoted right wing agenda.
They think that our troops will be in Iraq until 2010. Unfortunately for them, they won't be in power to make that decision for much longer.

[staff2--2008]

whats the fuss all about...President Bush says we are in Iraq to fight terrorism...and he is after all the 'war president'...one mans terorist is anothers freedom fighter...you're either with us or against us...start a war the 'terrorists' (freedom fighters) will come...it's in our 'national security' to kill as many (or have many killed) Iraqi nationals as possible...when we go and start to rebuild their country into our image their oil reserves will go a long way for paying the ultimate bill for this war...wanna drive your 20MPG car?...you better support these kinds of wars...another option would be to demand that the federal government step in and require car makers to deliver cars with at less dependence on oil...but that would be too leftist...too 'green'...can't have that...how then will our oil companies ever make their fortunes???????

[mobaugh]

My thoughts on the IRAQ war: Immoral, Illegal,Unjustified,Folly.
My thoughts on President Bush, etal: Immoral, Incompetent, Liar(s), Narcisstic, Arrogant.

We are the lauphing stock on the World Stage and we have allowed it to happen. SHAME on us!

[kailumego1]

It's a real pity that certain members of this population are blinded by their own, as well as their leaders, malignant narcissism, in which they are too mesmerized by self-interest to acknowledge the corruption that exists with this administration.
We are fighting an illegal war, which we have absolutely no business being involved.
And all this paranoia over "terrorist" lurking behind every corner or bush is ludicrous.
It's a shame that individuals are so caught up in partisanship, that if the "truth" knocked them off their feet, or stared them right in the face, they still would be in denial.
This is not a Republican vs. Democratic issue; it is an issue about management and accountability, in which this administration has failed miserably.
And it doesn't take a "rocket-scientist" to know this war has been an absolute disaster.

[kailumego1]

I don't care if Bill Clinton, himself, initiated it, it would still be a disaster.
Are some people so vain and caught in their own malignant narcissism that it clouds their better judgment?
So, ok what does it take a couple more thousand U.S. soldiers to die, before, you partisan "junkies" wake up and smell the "coffee".
Why does issues of grave importance have to always center on partisanship affiliation.
George Bush is reckless and senile, and he doesn't have the American people's interest at the forefront when he makes these "insane" decisions.
And I am so tired of these so-called patriots, ranting and raving like lunatics, every time some one has an entirely different view or perspective.
American people need to make their leaders more accountable; after all, we are taxpayers, voters, and a voice of collective consciousness, at least some of us, capable on deciding how our country should be run.
And it makes no difference which party, as long as, who ever is elected operates under the guidance on what is best for America, collectively, and not a small percentage of the population.
This administration wreaks corruption, mismanagement, and "insanity".

[perception5]

This war on terror is being fought mostly in the media. That's bad news for the USA because we have a corrupt liberal MSM that has decided to run phony news stories, doctored photos, and promote lying book deals in support of their pals the DEMS. Looks like we have another axis of evil emerging.... our corrupt MSM, the DEMS, and the terrorists. It's sad to say but I don't think I've ever seen our left-wing MSM or the DEMS ever support the world's enemies before...Anything to gain power I guess...... Forgot about the issues and where the parties stand...... let's lie our way to power......

[bellal-2009]

Well, Huskerarmy, you make very good points but I don't believe the Democrats' automatically have the ability to do a better job. And the other part of that intelligence report says terrorism will increase if we don't see this through.

[rbird8728]

This war was begun with a series of lies and fabrications and continues to be operated on that basis. Our poor babbling elected executive constantly repeats the same claptrap over and over at the slightest invitation. Additionally, the vice-babbline executive has his own line of ***..i.e., "they're coming to get you". They have given all of their cronies opportunities to rip of the American public to the maximum so, at the end of this administration there should be quite a few newly rich in the Washington society circles.

[huskerarmy]

Ladies and gentlemen, I present the "plan."

The administration... justifies the war and its costs in the name of national security But... this war has so weakened and demoralized the US military that even retired military leaders have risen in unprecedented revolt.

Moreover, sixteen of our own intelligence services now tell us that the war has only increased the terrorist threat.

And then there is the incalculable cost to America's reputation. We have lost the respect of allies who once looked to us as a beacon of hope--not fear.

[random_radar]

Democrats started the Viet Nam war and Republicans continued it as long as they could.

Republicans started the Iraq war, and soon we will see if Democrats really will end it. I am not holding my breath.

Governments don't like to lose face. Losing a war is the ultimate embarassment in international politics. Its like saying "My dad can beat up your dad," having them actually fight, and then discovering you were wrong.

Negative public opinion ended the Viet Nam war. Pseudo-patriots argue that we should "support our troops" by sending them to die. I prefer to save our troops by bringing them home. I know that many of our soldiers are praying that the folks at home will apply negative public pressure to rescue them.

There are wars worth fighting, but Iraq is not one of them and I don't expect any of my neighbors to die for their country in a useless war. I am not opposed to killing terrorists to protect our nation; I am opposed to using the threat of terror to justify imperial adventurism.

If we sang all of our national anthem, instead of just the first verse, our children might get the right message. In the fourth verse is a telling line: "Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just!" There is the key--our cause needs to be just. I am sorry, but Iraq is not that cause.

[huskerarmy]

"We are in the middle of long range plan to conquer terrorism and it would be foolish to stop mid course. We have no way of knowing if the Democrats can do a better job of running the war in Iraq for all we know they could make it worse."

1. As a veteran, I am much appreciative of the Geneova Conventions. What we do to them, they will certainly do worse to us.
2. Whether or not the Dem's can do a better job of "running the war" is a moot point as far as I'm concerned. We are having it handed to us. One reason is the "plan." The administration has not been honest about the troop levels needed. A tax cut for the rich that could have paid for body armor, among other things.
3. ...Make it worse? I'll leave that one alone. Hopefuly the voters will take the 99 to 1 odds.

[huskerarmy]

Conservatives,

Since you keep spouting "Dems have no plan," pray tell what is the neo-con plan for Iraq? Please remember to limit your answer to real facts, i.e. - No WMD's, no connection between Iraq and 911, no Al queda cells in Iraq prior to the U.S. invasion, death toll last month highest since 2002.

[bellal-2009]

Huskerarmy, I did check the website and thankyou for that and I'm afraid it only confirms how I feel. As a veteran of the armed forces certainly you understand that this is an extraordinarily dangerous point in time for the world. We are in the middle of long range plan to conquer terrorism and it would be foolish to stop mid course. We have no way of knowing if the Democrats can do a better job of running the war in Iraq for all we know they could make it worse.

[huskerarmy]

I forgot... "la la la, fingers in my ears, la la la, stay the course, Democrats have no plan, la la la..."

[huskerarmy]

bellat,

Sorry but "I used to be a Dem," sounds a lot like "Some of my best friends are..." Did you check the Democraticleader web site? Will you?
Unfortunately, good ideas don't always translate into electoral victory. Sometimes lies and corruption can be effective. Knee jerk reactions, a good spin machine and catchy slogans can also be effective but hardly substitute for a real plan. The bottom line... If you are happy with the status quo, then stay with the plan, i.e. - stay the course. It may be a road to ruin but at least it's a plan. Was there a plan in Viet Nam?

[bellal-2009]

Huskerarmy, OK, what pray tell is the Democrats' plan other?

[bellal-2009]

Huskerarmy, the Democrats don't have a plan. I've been one most of my life and I've never seen them in such an inneffective position. What on earth do they have to offer. This is the wrong time for them.

[huskerarmy]

"The poor kids fighting the war? No, the same families have always sent their kids to fight."

Conservatives seldom need facts because they have such a well developed sense of romanticism. Nevertheless, the book "Rich Man's War, Poor Man's Fight" does a good job dispelling the conservative myth that rural, white Republicans fight American wars and provides a better understanding of how war feeds the rich and buries the poor. Before you attack me Mr. neo-con, I am a veteran. Like many working class liberals, my father and three brother also served. Link:

http://www.h-net.org/reviews/showrev.cgi?path=73511160164982

[huskerarmy]

ooops! Shoud have said D. Chaney... semantics really.

la la la, finger in my ears, la la la, stay the course, Democrats have no plan, la la la...