What do you know about the war in Afghanistan? Answer the following before watching the videos.
1) How long has the US been fighting in Afghanistan?
2) How many troops are deployed there?
3) Are more soldiers being killed in Afghanistan or Iraq?
4) What other countries are involved in this conflict?
What are three additional questions about Afghanistan you would want to know the answers for?
Now watch the videos and check your responses. Could you answer all of the questions?
Find the additional answers to your questions. How have the presidential candidates addressed the war in Afghanistan? What should the next president do to try to resolve this conflict?
21 comments:
Q: What is the difference between the Al-Qaeda and the Taliban?
A: The Al-Qaeda is an international Sunni Islamist movement, or terrorist group. The Taliban is a very similar group of Sunni Islams, however it is made up of native Afghans.
Q: Where in Afghanistan are U.S. troops stationed?
A: U.S. troops are stationed in various bases and camps throughout the rugged terrian in Afghanistan. For example the Viper Company is stationed in Restrepo Post, which is located in the peaks of "Death Valley". American soldiers can be stationed any where they are needed to aid in the fighting in Afghanistan.
Both John McCain and Barack Obama have addressed the war in Afghanistan,saying that they want a renewed and enlarged military effort in that region. As President of the United States, Barack Obama would like to "persue a new strategey" in Afghanistan, with more troops, more helicoptors, and greater intelligence. While John McCain would like to provide a civil-military campaign that would secure the Afghan population.
1. The war has lasted for 7 years.
2. There has been 33,000 troops deployed to Afghanistan.
3. At this point there are more soldiers being killed in Afghanistan, the last poll was 160 soldiers killed to the 92 killed in Iraq.
4. NATO is involved in the war along with the United States.
Three Additional Questions
1. How long are they planing on staying in Afghanistan?
There is no clear statement from the United States Government saying when they plan to bring our troops home, an end the war in Afghanistan.
2. Are we winning the war?
From the videos the clear statement is we are not wining the war. More troops are being killed and there is more fighting going on now than ever before.
3. What was the main purpose for starting the war?
The War in Afghanistan was launched in response to the 9/11 attacks. The purpose of the war was to capture bin Osama Bin Laden, destroy al Qaeda regime, and remove the Taliban regime.
Obama feels that if we should move into Pakistan uninvited would turn ordinary Pakistanis, who are not enamored of the United States, they would go from allies to enemies.
Obama also recommends setting up a partnership program with our allies to "take down terrorist networks" around the world and he, as president, would provide $5 billion over three years to plan this.
McCain feels that by increasing the size of forces there and adopting a true counterinsurgency strategy, like the one that has been successful in Ira. He will continue to hunt down al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.
Additional Questions:
1.7 years
2. Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 troops.
3. Afghanistan
5. Members of NATO, and Pakistan.
Q: Who is the current top U.S. commander in Afghanistan?
A: General David McKiernan is the current top commanding officer in Afghanistan.
Q: How many NATO (non-U.S.) forces are posted in Afghanistan?
A: Currently there are 50,700 NATO forces in Afghanistan. However, the United States have asked for more support from her NATO allies.
Q: What has caused the increase in the death toll of the U.S. Soldiers?
A: The main reason is the resurgent of Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces which have been using Pakistan as a safe haven to launch the new offensives.
The presidential candidates have some what touched on the Afghanistan War. Both candidates have claimed that they will bring an end to the fighting. Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain have claimed that he will bring in more troops from Iraq. The next president should focus more on intelligence gathering and deployment of more troops along the border region near Pakistan. Moreover, the next president should improve relations with Afghan citizens and tribal leaders in order to crush the Taliban's main source of manpower.
1) How long has the US been fighting in Afghanistan?
7 years
2) How many troops are deployed there?
33,000
3) Are more soldiers being killed in Afghanistan or Iraq?
Afghanistan
4) What other countries are involved in this conflict?
NATO and U.S.
How long are we going to be in Afghanistan before we pull out?
Until they are no longer a threat to our nation.
What was our initial reason for entering Afghanistan?
To end the ruling of the Taliban.
How many total deaths are there in Afghanistan for U.S. soldiers?
over 2100
How have the presidential candidates addressed the war in Afghanistan? What should the next president do to try to resolve this conflict?
Both candidates want to stay in Afghanistan, but send more troops over from Iraq. I believe the next President has the hard choice to choose between surrendering to save mens lives but at the same time having lost respect and a war, or staying in their with the hopes that everything will soon be resolved. I would probably stay in annd fight to the finish.
1.The U.S. has been fighting in Afghanistan for 7 years.
2.Around 30,000 troops are deployed in Afghanistan.
3.More troops are being killed in Afghanistan than Iraq.
4.Members of NATO and Pakistan are involved in this conflict.
I was not able to accurately answer these preliminary questions before watching the videos.
Additional questions:
1.What are our main objectives in Afghanistan?
The initial purpose of “Operation Enduring Freedom” was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and safe harbor to al-Qaeda. Today in Afghanistan, we continue the fight against the Taliban as well as Al-Qaeda. It was thought that we had removed the Taliban from power but they have recently mounted an intense resurgence. Removing the Taliban from power is especially tricky when local farmers are motivated to grow poppy (opium) under protection of Taliban sanction. Osama bin Laden is yet to be found.
2.What is Pakistan’s role in the conflict?
The Taliban has spread its forces into Pakistan and it is suspected that Al-Qaeda is hiding or being harbored within Pakistani borders. This presents an issue when American forces are to decide how strongly to pursue or conduct warfare over the Afghan-Pakistani border. Pakistani government has not reacted cooperatively to these cross-border bombings and forays. To further fuel tension, U.S. military commanders accuse Islamabad of doing too little to prevent the Taliban and other militant groups from recruiting, training and resupplying in Pakistan's wild tribal belt. The Pashtun tribe, from which the Taliban has its roots, operates in Pakistan as well as Afghanistan.
3.How involved are NATO forces in the war?
There are about 50,000 NATO troop stationed in Afghanistan. The United States has asked for more NATO involvement.
Obama and McCain appear to have similar strategies concerning Afghanistan. Both candidates say they will send at least two more combat brigades to Afghanistan. Both of them also promote investing in alternative crops for Afghani farmers.
I agree that the next president should increase the troop deployment to Afghanistan. The best of our military strength and strategy should be focused in this area. I also think that through diplomacy with Pakistan, they should establish clear guidelines that accept pursuit of Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces across the border.
1.) The war in Afghanistan has lasted for 7 years
2.) There have been 33,000 troops deployed in Afghanistan
3.) It is polled that 160 soldiers are killed in Afghanistan to 92 soldiers in Iraq.
4.) NATO is involved in this war as well as Pakistan, the Chechans, and Uzbeks
-3 additional questions
1.) Why are we taking so long in Afghanistan? Al Qaeda and the Taliban keep retreating to Pakistan, regrouping there and coming back to fight the Americans. There is also a huge poppy seed population which helps in the Opium trade. The Opium trade is most of the funding for Al Qaeda and Taliban. This strengthens the opposing force against the United States.
2.) What are the conditions in Afghanistan? There are poor conditions for the troops. Poor weapons, many trees (can't see enemies), troops live off army rations, and there is minimal hygiene for the lack of showers and one outhouse.
3.) Why don't we send more troops to finish our fight? There are not enough American troops because of the war in Iraq. The U.S. wants NATO to send their troops, but NATO will only send troops to an area of minimal combat.
Candidates view on Afghanistan-
Both Candidates have been asked about their views in Iraq. Obama believes that we should send more troops there ( 2 to 3 additional brigades). He also wants to press the government to control the territory and deal with Pakistan to get rid of the safe haven. He believes that we've relied too much on NATO to help us, and it has not been efficient.
McCain believes that we are not prepared to attack Pakistan. We must have the support of Pakistan and enforce a new strategy ( like that of Iraq). He believes that Pakistan and NATO must do more in Afghanistan before we draw troops from Iraq. Both candidates support defeat in Afghanistan, but Obama believes in switching most of our concern to Afghanistan, but McCain believes in seeing more support from surrounding countries first.
Nancy Bobrysh
-Period 4
1) The US has been fighting in Afghanistan for seven years
2) There are currently 33,000 troops deployed in Afghanistan
3) There are more solders currently being killed in Afghanistan
4)Countries that are members of NATO are involved in this conflict
Q:Why is the US in Afghanistan in the first place?
A: They are looking for terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda and for Talibans
Q:What is a main source of Afghanistan economy?
A: Opium plants
Q: How many NATO troops are involved in the conflict?
A: There are around 50,000 troops from NATO countries involved in the war
Both candidates for the presidency have addressed the question of Afghanistan and seem to share a similar views. John McCain and Barack Obama claim that they will send more troops to Afghanistan in order to strenngthen the hold on Afghanistan and decrease the lost of American troops
I agree with the two candidates in that more troops need to be send to this area. The Taliban must be contained and the US should try to diminish their influence on the country. The next president also needs to focus on United States relationship with Pakistan and attempt to convince them to help NATO and US in the fight agaist the Taliban.
1.) The US has been in war for 7 years.
2.) There are 33,000 troops in Afghanistan
3.) Death rate is higher in Afghanistan than Iraq.
4.) NATO and Pakistan are involved.
Q: When will the war be over?
A: There is no definite answer, but it will be over when Afghanistan is no longer a huge threat to the United States.
Q: What are happening to the civilians during the war?
A: Many civilians are dying, and innocent people, including children are also dying. Because there are so many shootings and bombing, they are not only killing the terrorists but also taking innocent lives.
Q: Where can Osama Bin Laden be?
A: It is said that Osama Bin Laden is hiding in the mountains in Pakistan, but he is not yet found.
Both candidates have addressed the war in Afghanistan, and have similar opinions about it. Both Obama and McCain of course, want's to end the war in Afghanistan. Since Afghanistan is short of soldiers, both candidates are saying that they will bring more troops out of Iraq and send them over Afghanistan. The next president needs to try something new, and find another way to win and end the war, because the war has been going on for so long. They need a new strategey that will end the war faster.
1.We have been there for 7 years
2.There are 33,000 troops in Afghanistan
3.The death rate is higher in Afghanistan.
4.NATO and Pakistan are involved in the war
The two questions I asked about Afghanistan were, has the Afghanistan government made any progress and why is Afghanistan so dangerous.
I found out that the Afghan government is considered to be reconstructing with the help of the United States. I also found that the government is still not stable and still needs help.
I found out that Afghanistan is so dangerous because of the mountainous terrain. On the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan are a lot of mountains that allows Al-Qaeda to attack, and then run back across the border. These attacks are making Afghanistan a very dangerous place to be.
I do not feel that the presidential candidates have really addressed the war in Afghanistan. They have mostly focused on the war in Iraq, and the potential conflict with Iran. When Afghanistan was brought up they talked about how it would be a big problem, but they did not say specifically how they would address the problem.
To solve this conflict I think that the next president should send more troops to Afghanistan. I also think that they should try and go to the tribal areas of Pakistan and find Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda.
1. We have been involved in the war for 7 years.
2. There are approximately 33,000 troops deployed.
3. There are more soldiers being killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq. A recent poll shows that 160 soldiers are killed in Afghanistan to the 92 in Iraq.
4. NATO, Pakistan, and Nepal are all involved in the conflict.
Three Additional Questions:
1. How much money has gone to the war on terror in both Afghanistan and Iraq in the previous 7 years?
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Congress has approved a total of $507 billion for the war on terror. In addition, the defense department has requested $99.7 billion more in emergency funding that, if approved, would bring war spending in 2007 to a record $170 billion.
2. What exactly are we targeting in Afghanistan?
We are targeting the Taliban and Al Quaeda.
3. What is the number of killed American troops in Afghanistan this year?
There are a total of 92 American Troops that have been killed in Afghanistan this year alone.
John McCain believes that we should increase the number of troops in Afghanistan, as does Barack Obama, especially on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. Senator Obama also said that if America received intelligence about suspected Qaeda operations in Afghanistan (and Pakistan as well), he is prepare to act.
The next president should focus mainly on the capture of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Also, if there is any information about suspicious activities, we should act upon them and secure the surrounding areas. We also need to focus on bringing our troops home as soon as Afghanistan and Pakistan are safe and can control themselves. The next president definitely needs to find a new strategy to restore peace and secure the conflicting countries.
-Jen Thompson, Period 4
1. How long has the US been fighting in Afghanistan?
For about seven years.
2. How many troops are deployed there?
Around 33,000 troops have been deployed there.
3. Are more soldiers being killed in Afghanistan or Iraq?
More soldiers are being killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq.
4. What other countries are involved in this conflict?
Some of the other countries involved in this conflict include members of NATO and Pakistan.
Three additional questions:
1. When and how did the war in Afghanistan began?
The war in Afghanistan begun on October 7, 2001 when the U.S. military operation called Operation Enduring Freedom was launched by the United States and the United Kingdom in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks.
2. How many people have been killed and injured because of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars?
About 687,000 people have been killed and more than 1,300,000 people have been injured.
3. Who is the current NATO commander in Afghanistan?
David McKiernan
I was not able to answer the above questions prior to watching the videos.
Obama said that he would immediately withdraw thousands of ground troops from Iraq and send them to Afghanistan to help undermanned US forces defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda. He said that the US has relied too heavily on forces from NATO which has little experience in guerrilla warfare. However, McCain believes that Iraq is the “center front” in the war on terrorism. He believes that Pakistan and NATO should do more in Afghanistan until the US can withdraw troops from Iraq. In order to solve the conflict, I believe in Obama’s method of withdrawing troops from Iraq and sending them to Afghanistan.
-Hima Mamillapalli (Period 4)
1) seven years
2) 33000 troops
3) More soldiers are being killed in Afghanistan than Iraq
4) NATO and Pakistan
Additional Questions:
-What have the troops been doing in Afghanistan? ( why are they fighting?)
We are fighting against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda
-What role does Pakistan play in this issue?
Al-Qaeda moves back and forth between the boarder of Pakistan and Afghanistan and the US is unsure about if they should follow them over the boarder
Obama and Mccain have both addressed the war in Afghanistan, but probably not as much as they should have. They agree that the military service in the area needs to be enlarged. The major difference between the two is that Obama wants to approach the war using a new strategy. He wants to send over more troops along with setting up a program to fight terrorism. . McCain wants to send over more troops and keep fighting to take over the Al-Qaeda. I believe that the next president needs to set up an organized plan of how many troops they will send over and use intelligence and learn from the mistakes made in the war in Iraq.
Liora
period 4
1) 7 years
2) 33,000 troops are deployed in Afghanistan
3) More troops are dying in Afghanistan
4) NATO
Additional Questions:
1) Is there currently any plan to withdraw from Afghanistan?
No there is not. In fact, commanders in Afghanistan are currently requesting more troops, as the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous.
2) What operations are being conducted in Afghanistan?
U.S. forces are conducting attacks on various Taliban strongholds around the Afghanistan - Pakistan border.
Obama and McCain both agree that more troops need to be sent to afghanistan in order to help make the situation there more stable. I think that the next president will need to remove troops from Iraq and redeploy them in Afghanistan in order to obtain the number of troops needed.
1) 7 years
2) over 33,000 troups
3)There are more being killed in Afghanistan
4)The US and Nato are involved
Q: Who is NATO, and how are they helping?
North Atlantic Treaty Organization and they have sent 50,700 NATO soliders to aid us.
Q:Why have there been more deaths recently?
The resurgent of Taliban and Al-Qaeda who retreat into Pakistan as a safe haven.
Q:What is it like in Afghanistan?
Minimal hygine, close fighting quaters, many hiding insurgeons, and the over baring heat make Afghanistan a poor place for american soliders.
1) How long has the US been fighting in Afghanistan? 7 years
2) How many troops are deployed there? 33,000 troops are deployed there.
3) Are more soldiers being killed in Afghanistan or Iraq? More soldiers are being killed in Afghanistan than Iraq (Recent numbers: 160 killed in Afghanistan to the 92 killed in Iraq)
4) What other countries are involved in this conflict? Other countries involved in this conflict include: The U.S., NATO, Pakistan, Saudis, the Chechens, and the Uzbeks.
What are three additional questions about Afghanistan you would want to know the answers for?
1) When will the war end?
There is no exact time line for when the war will officially be over. Many predict that the war will continue on and it will only get worse before it gets better. This is due to the fact that the top military commander in Afghanistan has called for more resources; both economic and human.
2) Where are our troops located?
Our troops can be found in both Afghanistan and Iraq patrolling the streets, villages, and surrounding areas. They stay in military bases (Such as Restrepo- one of the “Death Valley’s” five mountaintop outposts.) when they are not on duty where they eat, sleep, and try to relax.
3) How do the soldiers deal with tragedies (i.e. friendly fire)?
Each soldier deals with tragedies different. In the case of the possible friendly fire in the Viper company, in which some of their own soldiers were wounded and one was killed- the men were strong and professional. They took one day off before returning back to work and their outposts. As is for any human a tragedy is difficult but they realize that when the fighting is that close they have to get back to work to protect each other and themselves.
How have the presidential candidates addressed the war? What should the next president do to try to resolve this conflict?
Senator Obama has stated that he will work with the military commanders to try and end the war. He also wants to refocus our efforts and resources in the war in Iraq and finish the fight with Al Qaeda and the other terrorist groups that attacked the U.S. on September 11th, 2001. On the contrary, Senator McCain has no plan set to end the war and will continue to spend billions of dollars to help support it. I feel that we need to get our troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan as soon as possible. We have had our troops fighting this war long enough. I feel that we are now fighting in a war in which we cannot “win” and we are losing money and men. Pulling our troops out of the middle east would be the best thing for our people, nation, and government.
Q: How long unitll the troops are returned home?
There is no clear timeline for the war in Afghanstain
1. The war has lasted 7 years
2. 33,000 troops in Afghanistan
3. 160 killed in Afghanistan
4. Nato
5 How long are they planning on staying in Afghan?
There hasn't been any information presented to give a substantial answer to when the troops will be deployed.
6. What are we targeting in Afghan?
The Taliban
7. Why has there been more death in afghan?
The Taliban have been starting to use more sneaky tactics in fighting our American troops. For example they attack the border and then retreat into Pakistan where we are not allowed to go.
Katie Jarjura
period 4
1. 7 yrs.
2. 30,000 to 40,000 troops.
3. Afghanistan
5. NATO, and Pakistan
Additional Question:
What is the main reason this war started?
The attack on the Twin Towers sparked this war on terror.
How have the presidential candidates addressed the war in Afghanistan? What should the next president do to try to resolve this conflict?
Obama said that he would withdraw many ground troops right away from Iraq and send them to Afghanistan to help US forces defeat the Al Qaeda and Taliban. McCain believes that Iraq is the center front in the war on terrorism.
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