Star Trek on why the U.S. should Withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan

From Season 1, "Symbiosis". Picard outlines the importance of the Prime Directive, and how careful non-intervention in certain conflicts can prevent more harm than would otherwise be caused through direct intervention. The doctor provides the foil, advocating for an active role in confronting a moral dilemma. Ultimately, the episode is a plea and a warning: societies with long, intertwined histories may fare better in the long-term by working out their own problems manifest through self determination.

Iraq and Afghanistan is a poignant example. While a U.S. withdrawal will be painful for all parties in the short term, in the long term, it is the best decision for all of the parties, for no other reason than that numerous examples in history, garnered at great cost, have shown this to be true.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Iraq
• Afghanistan
• war on terror
• obama
• withdraw
• peace
• prime directive
• star trek
• next generation

[jssandler]

I generally agree with DelvarWorld. When I first posted this, some time ago, the US was still mired in Iraq/ Afg. Since then, the posting has become somewhat less relevant particularly as the US is withdrawing from Iraq. A good observation! Never-the-less, the basic premise of the episode, which is self-determination free from heavy-handed external influence, can universally apply to this or other conflicts. Good comment.

[jssandler]

For the odd-numbered commentator 36etc, could you please be more specific as to the nature of the dishonesty you have observed? In addition, please refrain from casting moral aspersions on others in the stead of intellectually rigorous debate. Comments such as 'shame' do not advance the conversation but rather serve to veil your own self doubt by dampening the spirit of debate.

[BloodW0rx2]

I guess the creator of this video doesn't understand what happened on the 11th of September 2001, you're logic about non-intervention in less developed societies by using star trek metaphors is all well and good when these societies can literally be cut off by the vastness of space, but what you have failed to realise is that the West cannot just cut itself off from the middle east, as 9/11 proved.

[jssandler]

Upon reviewing this clip, I can see how that might be one interpretation. My intention was not to suggest isolationism as the preferred course, but at the very least a removal of ground forces and, generally speaking, a non-interventionist approach (at least in the prime directive sense). Spying, subterfuge, and special forces are all good as Joe Biden and I agree. But 2 occupying forces at $10 Billion/ day, we could fund a railroad across the U.S. in just 10 days! ($5 M/ mile)

[jssandler]

I thank you for your comments. You seem like a reasonable person with a slightly different world view than I. However, just because I have electricity and a refrigerator doesn't make me naive. Most leaders of countries have also not experience conflict first-hand (Obama, for example). Your first-hand experiences have merit, but so does being removed and able to weigh costs/ benefits without emotional encumbrance. For me, harms of recent military engagement have outweighed benefits.

[jssandler]

The comment suggests the only alternative to direct military engagement is apathy and complacency. However, my video edit does not advocate complacency, only withdrawal of the military. The paraphrasing of Martin Niemolier's poem about German apathy regarding the rise of Nazism is an attempt to frighten those who legitimately advocate a less militaristic approach toward confronting radical religious terrorism. Joe Biden and I advocate a less blunt approach to achieve the best results.

[majorlagg1]

@AeronPeryton see also "Lower Decks"

[majorlagg1]

Interesting analogy but I don't think it holds. The Yonari people did not attack nor harbor people who attacked the Federation (Afghanistan) nor did they attack Federation allies and simultaneously construct weapons of mass destruction (Iraq). This gave Picard the luxury of holding to his pristine principles. What if Picard was able to supply an alternative to Ketrosel White and rob the Dominion of their soldiers before they attacked the Federation?

[Vesnicie]

Why are the terms "isolationist" and "non-interventionist" being used interchangeably? They're not quite the same idea. To continue using Star Trek as metaphor, there are many examples of the Federation joining in with others' causes. They explore and "seek out new life..", so they can hardly be considered isolationist. The Prime Directive is very nuanced in its provisions for this kind of situation. I think the confusion is still ours: Non-isolationist is not equal to imperialist!

[BloodW0rx2]

@CountArtha Not at all, my rebuttal was there to show how significant an event 9/11 was to understanding the complex intertwined relationship the west has with the middle east, this goes back through centuries (not just decades) of history that cannot be undone. My only point was that a isolationist philosophy, as I thought was being proposed by the video creator, is impossible in an increasingly globalised world, hence the Star Trek analogy does not work.

[CountArtha]

@BloodW0rx2 Your rebuttal assumes that 9/11 happened before the United States and the West started to intervene in the Middle East and Central Asia.

[ejcmoorhouse]

@jbkibs so what are you saying, evil dictatorships are better than democracy?

[jbkibs]

@DelvarWorld we could also say it does pertain, iraq nor afghanistan wanted us there nor our help right? but, those weren't the only parties involved... The UN did, however, ask for help to invade, we did, and look were we are today, 1 day closer to WW3. We invaded Iran in 53' because they were going to claim control of their own oil fields, on their own property, which was run and CONTROLLED by Britain... no mortal has a claim or right over another or anothers property. 4God and 4Liberty.

[jbkibs]

@DelvarWorld different situation, same exact concept. don't interfere in other peoples business, it always leads to unpredicted disasters... what's not to understand? want a simple analogy? you give people pain killers to ease their pain from their withdrawl and they get addicted to those... where does it end.. that's why he said "To what end?"

[jbkibs]

@ejcmoorhouse democracy is a horrid form of government. it is simply, mob rule. 51% controls the 49%... Republic (Rule of LAW), meaning every man, woman and child is held accountable to that law, noone is exempt. In America today, we have an oligarchy. it is run by a handful of "elite" control freaks. "electoral college", "super committee", "federal reserve bank which is privately owned by a handful of the worlds wealthiest people", etc... we have many, MANY "officials" who are exempt from laws.

[ejcmoorhouse]

I personally believe that the world should be united like the Earth Captain Picard knows, And I believe that Democray with a clear leadership structure is the way forward. Therefore I agree with the end out come in Iraq but it'll take time to do for it to be perfected, same with Libya and the like.