| John,
Twenty years war of in Afghanistan has left a lasting impact on those who served and on our entire nation. When the conflict ended and the government America built in Kabul collapsed, over 2,400 American had lost their lives, and our leaders wasted nearly $2 trillion taxpayer dollars. The goals of our two-decade intervention demand scrutiny.
An objective study of our mission there exposes the need for a more realistic and restrained approach in our nation’s foreign policy. Rather than engaging in prolonged military interventions that have limited or even detrimental results, we should focus on policies that align with our national interests and avoid unnecessary loss of life and resources. We were right to pursue Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden, but Washington’s decision to spend decades trying to change Afghanistan’s culture and people was a huge mistake.
Veterans understand the true cost of war. It’s essential to learn from Afghanistan and advocate for a foreign policy that prioritizes America’s strategic interests, careful planning, and, most importantly, the well-being of those who serve.
Sincerely,
John Byrnes
Strategic Director, Concerned Veterans for America
P.S. If you want to learn more about what a more realistic and restrained American foreign policy can look like, sign up here for updates from us as we work to bring this message to lawmakers in Washington. | 
