Farmcharm, to answer a few of your questions, the President did not say that the"war" was over. He said that the major battles were over. If we want to complete our mission we will need to remain in the area until it is somewhat stabilized (the area will never be totally stable) then we can bring the troops home. Our troops will have to act as "police" until a competent, well trained internal force is trained and ready to take over. If we had done this after GWI, and not left too soon, maybe we wouldn't be there today.
By finishing this job, there may be no GWIII. Yes, it is disconcerting to read about casualties but that comes with the mission. I have two sons in the military and I worry every day. I am a combat veteran and understand both the risks of combat and the feelings of those at home. Our troops are doing a magnificent job and want them to do it well enough that I don't have to worry about my grandchildren having to go through the same thing because the job wasn't finished.
As far as the "Vietnam syndrome" that was a different war in a different time and there is no comparison to Iraq.
De Oppresso Liber.
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De Oppresso Liber
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