U.S. Soldier Reportedly Kills 16 Afghans

Afghan views covered bodies of victims, Photo I Sameen/EPA

Tragedy struck in the area near Kandahar, Afghanistan Sunday when an American soldier purportedly left his base and killed 16 people, 9 of whom were children.  The shootings occurred in the villages of Alkozai and Najeeban. The suspected killer has been arrested, and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has launched a full-scale investigation. Upon hearing the news, President Obama called Hamid Karzai and expressed his condolences. Karzai called the killings "unforgivable."


For those readers who want more details about the incident, ample numbers of news stories abound on the internet. Ham on Wry embarks now on commentary about the American presence in Afghanistan. I have no idea what motivated the soldier to kill innocent Afghans, but I do know that no reason can excuse the act.  Clearly, the time has come for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops and civilians from Afghanistan.

This beleaguered nation has been fraught with war for so many years that its citizens don't know who to call "friend." I understand that many government officials feel this isn't the time to leave Afghanistan because of the political implications for that region. They're wrong. This most recent episode isn't just an "error" that can be dismissed and eventually forgotten with an apology. Americans in that country might as well have a bulls-eye painted on their bodies because all of them will now be targeted, soldier or not.

Senator McCain will probably not agree, but those who don't think we should place any more Americans in harm's way will understand my call for withdrawal. This country must carefully evaluate its involvement with military actions other than those provoked by a direct attack on our country. McCain spouts rhetoric about taking the lead in Syria. I say now is the time for reasoned judgment and not bombastic talk of more fighting overseas. It isn't worth the cost in lives lost on either side.