Obama's War

I decided to watch this video called Obama's War, on the website FRONTLINE. The film features a veteran correspondent named Martin Smith, that follows American troops in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He spends his time chasing them around and filming them (while dodging bullets), so people like us can have a better understanding of how the President is attempting "to combat terrorism at its roots."

Once a territory is conquered by the American army, the soldiers are sent in the towns to get to know its residents. They walk around saluting everyone, shaking hands with anyone they meet, and asking what can be done to help make their lives somewhat easier. The reason for this unusual tactic is to get rid of the Taliban influence in the country and to gain the trust of the these citizens.

I learned that the war requires both physical and mental efforts from United States soldiers in order to win victory in this crucial war. The soldiers are required to open fire on enemy troops, yet they are also compelled to lay down their weapons and walk through the town to acquire the faith of the citizens living in that territory.

If there were to be a follow-up film on this subject, I would expect it to be about winning the war, and the trust of the people. It would talk about how the Americans were capable of eliminating the Taliban army and neutralizing all terrorist threats that were once existent.

-Joe Markarian ' 12