When is a war over?

This is not some anti-war rant.

I ask this question because it was initially a huge issue during the election. And while both Senator McCain and President-elect Obama spoke on the issue, I kept asking myself, “What brings an end to a war?”

For the longest, I believed that a war was over when the opposition’s leader was either captured or killed. If that were the case this war in Iraq would have been over a long time ago.

Former President Sadaam Hussein, who I thought was the target, has been captured, tried, convicted, and hanged.

Still, they fight on.

So, what is it that is going to bring this war to its conclusion?

Without a definite purpose or set goal, this war could simply just carry on forever.

There has been plenty of talk in regards to our need to protect ourselves, our nation’s interest, and to ensure the safety of our armed forces. Efforts to reduce spending on this war have been met by fierce opposition.

Still, the numbers are staggering. An estimated $10 billion dollars a month and we’re in the midst of the worst economic struggle since the Great Depression. And the Iraqi government has been reported to have a surplus from anywhere between $60 and $80 billion dollars.

Not to mention the continued fatalities.

Something has to give.

I am cognizant of the fact that I am blessed to have several people who have previously served in the armed forces who happen to read my blog.

Maybe, they can shed some insight onto this topic.

The Wizard has spoken