Today Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was sacked. News analysts on MSNBC explained that the Obama administration feels they need a more “war-prepared” secretary to lead the mission, which has changed from a draw-down in Iraq & Afghanistan to a new expansion of bombing and increased troop deployments.
What has been secret and operational at least since summer 2014, is no longer secret.
The firing reflects the intense struggle in the government over how to fulfill its security objectives in the Middle East. The plan to withdraw from Iraq & Afghanistan that got Obama elected, twice, was for public consumption. Last week, The New York Times reported that Obama has expanded the combat role for remaining troops in Afghanistan, and expanded the role of US bombing campaigns, according to Mother Jones, “to carry out missions against the Taliban and other militant groups threatening American troops or the Afghan government, a broader mission than the president described to the public earlier this year, according to several administration, military and congressional officials with knowledge of the decision. The new authorization also allows American jets, bombers and drones to support Afghan troops on combat missions.”
U.S. objectives of maintaining control over the region require such measures.
Our objectives of standing up for humanity & the planet require protest. We say NO MORE War on Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria.
Debra Sweet is the Director of World Can’t Wait.