Many news organizations have now reported the evidence that Russia paid Afghan fighters to kill American personnel. National Public Radio stated that our soldiers discovered large amounts of cash in a Taliban stronghold. Wire transfers from Russia have been traced as the source of this money. FOX News states that the deaths of several US Marines may have been motivated by these Russian payments.
The earliest raw intelligence on the bounty program was gathered six months ago. Bounties may have been on offer for much longer. No reprimand has come out from our government in that timeframe. Instead, we helped Putin achieve public relations victories by accepting shipment of medical masks needed by the Russian people.
As usual, the White House has numerous excuses. No one told Mr. Trump there was a Russian bounty program. Even if such intel existed, his briefers neglected to mention it. Because, without 100% certainty—why pester the President? If all else fails, the whole thing is a hoax. And for Q-Anon fans, you guessed it—it’s a deep-state plot against our poor, victimized Commander-In-Chief.
Too bad those claims hold water like a cracked bucket. Since the beginning of the Cold War, presidents have received the “Daily Briefing,” an intelligence report that details a broad range of national security issues. It covers plenty of information that has not yet been verified to the point of certainty. Until now, our presidents of both parties have agreed on the vital importance of staying informed on all potential threats.
Shouldn’t a commander first demand, “Show me that intel! Get Putin on the phone!” before he resorts to distractions like calling out hoaxes and witch hunts? If he fell asleep at the wheel, shouldn’t he at least wake up and play catch-up? Every American whose family has faced the ultimate sacrifice to serve our nation knows the answer to that question. As usual, Trump demands loyalty but gives none.
Anesa Miller
Bowling Green
