Veterans who served in either Iraq or Afghanistan are no more supportive of those engagements than those who did not serve in these wars. And views do not differ based on rank or combat experience.
U.S. Army Capt. Matt Anderson and Sgts. (Ret.) Daniel Harrison and Noah Galloway ride in a helicopter to Forward Operating Base Fenty near Bagram, Afghanistan, in 2014. They were touring with a program that brings wounded servicemen back to Iraq and Afghanistan to help them come to terms with their injuries. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
U.S. Army Capt. Matt Anderson and Sgts. (Ret.) Daniel Harrison and Noah Galloway ride in a helicopter to Forward Operating Base Fenty near Bagram, Afghanistan, in 2014. They were touring with a program that brings wounded servicemen back to Iraq and Afghanistan to help them come to terms with their injuries. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)Nearly 18 years since the start of the war in Afghanistan and 16 years since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, majorities of U.S. military veterans say those wars were not worth fighting, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of veterans. A parallel survey of American adults finds that the public shares those sentiments.
Among veterans, 64% say the war in Iraq was not worth fighting considering the costs versus the benefits to the United States, while 33% say it was. The general public’s views are nearly identical: 62% of Americans overall say the Iraq War wasn’t worth it and 32% say it was. Similarly, majorities of both veterans (58%) and the public (59%) say the war in Afghanistan was not worth fighting. About four-in-ten or fewer say it was worth fighting.
Veterans who served in either Iraq or Afghanistan are no more supportive of those engagements than those who did not serve in these wars. And views do not differ based on rank or combat experience.
Views do differ significantly by party, however. Republican and Republican-leaning veterans are much more likely than veterans who identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party to say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were worth fighting: 45% of Republican veterans vs. 15% of Democratic veterans say the war in Iraq was worth fighting, while 46% of Republican veterans and 26% of Democratic veterans say the same about Afghanistan. The party gaps are nearly identical among the public.
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Views on U.S. military engagement in Syria are also more negative than positive. Among veterans, 42% say the campaign in Syria has been worth it, while 55% say it has not. The public has very similar views: 36% say U.S. efforts in Syria have been worthwhile, while 58% say they have not.
Among veterans, these views are consistent across era of service, rank and combat experience. Republican veterans are significantly more likely than Democrats to say the Syrian campaign has been worth it (54% vs. 25%).
Note: See full topline results and methodology.
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The contents of Rise Up Times do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor. Articles are chosen for republication based on the interest of our readers. Rise Up Times republishes articles from a number of other independent news sources as well as original articles and stories.
Excerpt: Among veterans, 64% say the war in Iraq was not worth fighting considering the costs versus the benefits to the United States, while 33% say it was.
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VIDEO: Militarism, Climate Chaos, and the Environment
BLACK LIVES MATTER
To the Government of Ireland:
I identify as an American combat veteran of the Korea War. I am ninety years of age, an anti-war activist and advocate for global peace. I am a member of San Diego Chapter 91 Veterans For Peace, and a fraternal brother of Tarak Kauff and Ken Mayer, both of whom have my affection and respect. We have shared anti-war activity. Internationally, VFP has vigorously opposed the blatantly illegal expansion of the U.S. empire, which continues to grow primarily by means of military force. My government disregards human costs in its pursuit of world domination. We are the major threat to peace and stability on the planet. Recent events at Shannon Airport have captured the attention and imagination of the entire world. To be sure, there is no small amount of controversy with regard to Tarak and Ken gaining entrance to the field, being arrested, and inadvertently igniting a political firestorm over the act. With the gradual diminishing of passion over this event, cool heads must engage and prevail. The facts behind the intrusion must be exposed to reason. The court, of course, always has options available, some unknown to the public. But, in a civilized society, behind the determinations of the courts must lie fair and dispassionate disposition of any case. And there are to be anticipated and considered by the courts long-lived possible consequences after the dust has settled in the courtroom. No offense, but the government of Ireland is encouraging and assisting the monstrous war machine my country has become during my lifetime. By allowing our bombers to refuel at Shannon, Ireland enables and is party to our unlawful military incursions. This is no way for a neutral country to behave…. I respectfully ask that the Irish court(s) consider what the penalty would likely be for any other defendants faced with similar circumstances …. (Is there precedent?). Much is at stake. Many eyes are on Ireland to do what is right and what is just.
Thank you,
Stan Levin