What does war really achieve?

Or, more precisely, recent wars and military conflicts?

Countries deploy manpower and resources to exercise their might, ultimately resulting in loss of human lives and greater profits for the largest corporations that fund war.

Perhaps World War II, which ended the empire of Adolf Hitler, can be considered the only "good" war in recent history.

Today, following years of war in the Middle East, gas prices remain high, the economy is still struggling and many citizens are frustrated with U.S. involvement in international affairs.

Back in March 2003 the U.S. deployed roughly 148,000 troops to Iraq for the purpose of toppling former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's government.

One month later, U.S. and allied forces successfully overtook Baghdad. In May of 2003, President George W. Bush declared an "end to major combat operations."

Although our objective was accomplished, U.S. troops remained in Iraq from 2004 to December 2011.

According to the website www.antiwar.com/casualties/, since March 19, 2003, a total of 4,489 U.S. service members have died in Iraq. Combat deaths total 3,528. More than 100,000 American troops have been wounded due to operations in Iraq.

These are men and women physically and mentally wounded for life. These are idealistic patriots who raised their right hands and swore to uphold our Constitution and fight to protect democracy, liberty and humanity. They believed what they would eventually fight for was right, just and purposeful.

Now we read and hear from the various media sources Iraq is about to fall.

Islamist militants are pressing into towns in the eastern province of Diyala while Sunni insurgents have taken the towns of Saadiyah and Jalawla.

I thought the purpose of our military invasion in 2003 was to defeat tyranny, install a democratic government and stabilize the region.

As of today, the region is a far cry from a stabilized beacon of democracy.

Experts assert the controlling nature of Iraq's minority Sunni Arab population and their ongoing persecution of the Shia majority population has led to the possible collapse of the country.

Moreover, the overthrow of Hussein may have compelled the Shia population into action.

We are also told both the Arabs and Kurds are claiming they control the oil, which very well could play a part in the unstable nature of the country.

To understand Iraq today one would have to travel back well over 100 years. It would require a course in history and political science.

Where does the potential overthrow of Iraq leave the U.S. today?

President Barack Obama said, if need be, the U.S. will initiate air strikes.

"I don't rule out anything because we do have a stake in making sure that these jihadists are not getting a permanent foothold in either Iraq or Syria," Obama said recently.

Obama also said his administration is researching all available options.

As of Tuesday morning, Obama said 275 ground troops will be sent in to Iraq.

More ground troops after the U.S. three years ago withdraw troops from the region?

War is dirty.

While I never served in combat, I did serve in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1996-00. We were taught how to act and react in combat situations. We were often reminded war takes lives and often permanently rips away the souls of those who live through combat.

Maybe I'm being simplistic in my train of thought, but why can't countries come together over a table and civilly talk and work through their international differences?

If the representatives of the countries refuse to reach a consensus, why not lock them in a room until they can arrive at a common ground?

If a jury can reach a decision, then the countries at odds with one another, who are represented by some of the brightest minds, can do so.

Ernest Hemingway said, "Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime."

It's time for American citizens to begin to question the true nature of military interventions and war.

It's time to ask some questions.

Who does war and military action really benefit?

And, what's the purpose?

Although I can't speak for you, I can say, it has not benefited me personally, in my lifetime, at least.

If anything, it's shown me how cruel, arrogant and barbaric the nations of the world can be.

Reasons may vary why war is waged and military action taken, but we should ask what the short-term and long-term effects of war will be on nations, peoples, economies and the environment.

Mark Reccek

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press