By Zach Epstein ’14, Staff Writer

Monday, October 8, 2012 marks the 12^th anniversary of the American Invasion of Afghanistan, making it the longest war in America’s history.  The media coverage of this war has always taken a backseat to the coverage of the Iraq War. However, it is now also the only active American war after the withdrawal from Iraq. The United States Armed Forces invaded Afghanistan 12 years ago in order to pursue Al Qaeda and its members; many agree that this goal has mostly been realized.

Concrete statistics from the twelve years of fighting are unsettling. The death toll has recently surpassed 2,000 American soldiers, with an estimated 13,000 Afghan casualties. Additionally, the number of American casualties (those injured or killed) has eclipsed 17,000. Furthermore, this war has cost American taxpayers approximately $1.2 trillion since it began in 2001. When combined, this war and the War in Iraq have contributed the most to the national debt since 2001.

March 2011 saw the highest concentration of American troops in Afghanistan to date, with nearly 100,000 American soldiers stationed throughout the country. Today, there are approximately 68,000 American soldiers stationed in Afghanistan and the number has been steadily decreasing. The goal of the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces is to hand over control to Afghan security forces that they’ve trained, although an unnamed US government representative has mentioned, “…we are years away from a complete withdrawal.”

A new obstacle facing the planned withdrawal from Afghanistan is the recent wave of attacks by Afghan forces against NATO troops.  There have been 31 attacks of this kind in 2012. Zach Gross ’14 voiced concern with these attacks.  When asked on his opinion of the war, he said, “Although we have made progress in Afghanistan, the recent wave of Afghan security forces attacking US personnel definitely presents a deep mistrust. Also, this does not bode well for our withdrawal by 2014.” This opinion reflects a key reason for the United States’ reluctance to withdraw from the war and trust the Afghan army with the situation.

Other members of the Newark Academy community consistently believe that the United States Army should do its best to withdraw from the situation. Mr. Parlin, a humanities teacher known for his insightful opinions on United States foreign policy, stated that he “is leaning towards a view that we should get out of Afghanistan.” However, he added that he was “very pleased when President Obama turned the focus [back] to Afghanistan, and capturing Osama Bin Laden.” He is of the belief that involvement in Afghanistan is more relevant to the United States’ position in foreign affairs than action in Iraq.

Other members of the community also agreed with the original anti-Terrorism intentions of the war, but  now feel it is time to remove American troops. Athletic Director Mr. Gilbreath, a former member of the humanities department, noted for his breadth of knowledge regarding American public policy, was asked for his opinions on the involvement in Afghanistan. He believes that “there is no end game [to the war].” He questioned the objectives of American troops now that Bin Laden is no longer an issue. He also pointed out that it is unfortunate how “lots and lots of people have died, and it is hard to point to the concrete victories.” He challenges the progress that America has made relative to the cost of the war.

The War in Afghanistan has now become the longest war in American history, and both faculty and students are expressing their growing disillusionment with not just the conflict, but the plan to finally end it.