Listening to Rep. Barbara Lee on Afghanistan 8 years later

AFGHANISTAN: Take Rep. Lee's advice now

The invasion of Afghanistan had the support of nearly 90 percent of Americans following the terrorist attacks of 9-11. The only member of Congress who spoke against the rush to war was Representative Barbara Lee of California. Only Ms. Lee was brave enough to say no to war as a solution for terrorism. Her words on the House floor October 14, 2001 were disregarded then, but deserve our utmost attention today.

“Some of us must say, let us step back for a moment. Let us just pause for a minute and think through the implications of our actions today so that this does not spiral out of control.” The resolution to invade Afghanistan passed 420 to 1. Eight years later the hard lesson learned from Ms. Lee’ warning should guide our government’s strategy.

The first step in this case would be to cease offense military actions. And secondly, pursue all non-military means to end the war by negotiation, diplomacy and compromise. To do so, we must honestly enlist the help of other nations to work with us and even take the lead. Sadly, the United States in not a trusted negotiator in the region. President Obama seems to be reconsidering the military solution that Ms. Lee warned against in 2001. Let’s hope he takes her counsel now.