While most citizens around the world are well acquainted with the war in Iraq, many are beginning to question the recent surge of troops locating to the nation of Afghanistan. In this article we will discuss some of the reasoning behind the military movement, what the costs are for this action, and what popular opinion is around the globe concerning the issue at hand.

What is the war in Afghanistan?

Based on terrorist attacks on American soil in 2001, a joint coalition of Great Britain and American military launched a defensive and preemptive strike in the nation of Afghanistan. In hopes of reducing and eventually eliminating suspected terrorists groups like Al-Qaeda; the ones responsible for the 9-11 bombings in the U.S., forces moved in under Afghan support to begin the process.

Under the code name of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) military action quickly decreased Al-Qaeda supporters in the Taliban regime and began its search for Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin-Laden and his affiliates in order to try and punish them for their murderous actions.

By 2003, the United Nations assumed the position of control for the multi-national assault against terrorist action and brought with it over 40 countries in support of the cause. Today, the war is estimated to employ over 60,000 troops from around the world and current American president Barack Obama is requesting an additional deployment of thousands of U.S. soldiers.

What is the Cost of War in Afghanistan?

As with all wars, money and lives are two sacrifices always made. It is estimated that the expense of the war in Afghanistan is already over 200 billion dollars and rising daily. Casualties for the war have cost over 1,000 American troops and innumerable Afghani civilian lives.

What is Current Opinion over the War in Afghanistan?

Current military action in Afghanistan carries mixed reviews among populations around the globe. While many feel the war is a ridiculous notion bent on the elimination of an idea and not a tangible target, there are some who feel that military response was the only resolution to terrorism problems facing many nations.

American Government Opinion: Chief military General Stanley McChrystal requests additional troops for success while American president Obama declares that the war is relevant and “one that we must win”.

American Citizen Opinion: According to a recent poll done by the Washington Post and ABC News, only 25% of American’s feel the war is a worthwhile cause.

Afghani Government Opinion: Afghani leaders support the United Nations in their mission and continue to seek peace initiatives with high ranking Taliban insurgent leaders.

Afghani Citizen Opinion: While most Afghani residents welcome removal of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban regime, many are opposed to the means. Thousands of civilians have died due to military action, insurgent response, and sickness due to starvation and disease.

As many consider the war in Afghanistan an abominable massacre without a resolute ending, opposition to the action has increased dramatically over the past 9 years. Although most agree that some form of engagement must be made to deter and prevent terroristic threat, they do not feel the war in Afghanistan is the proper platform or method of achieving the goal.