What does the future hold

President Obama is continuing to pursue a militaristic campaign in both Iraq and Afghanistan, yet we had hoped for something new, something different, no matter what America does in either country it will do nothing for a real and lasting settlement in these countries. Nations must be allowed to determine their own destinies anyone who thinks different is not in touch with the reality of the situation. America may well help establish 'democratic' institutions but at what cost, is one American life worth the establishment of tin pot regimes that will eventually fall. What price is America prepared to pay for oil, what price is America prepared to pay for control over desserts and wilderness, non of this is worth the life of one young American. Obama should show some steel, he should stand up on the world stage and be counted, Nobel Peace Prizes are not meant to be window dressings on the west wing of the White House. Obama has a real and historical opportunity to make the right moves, committing more young Americans to a lost cause is not the way to go. Bring the lads home and focus on the real issues facing Americans, home repossession, job loss, health care are much more to the front of the mind than any amount of dessert sand or crude oil.