The Forever War

"Perhaps in the hideous present some larger good was being born, struggling painfully and awfully, but coming into the world just the same. And perhaps this new world might one day justify the death and suffering unfolding below...."

-Dexter Filkins, The New York Times

There are still 101 pages left in Dexter Filkins's The Forever War, but I've read enough to know that it is a great and important book. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are not at the front of our national consciousness. But just because they don't dominate the headlines doesn't mean they are over. As veteran journalist Tom Brokaw wrote before November's elections, "No decision is more important than committing a nation to war. It is, as politicians like to say, about our blood and treasure. Surely blood and treasure are worthy of more attention than they've been getting in this campaign."

Tomorrow night is President Obama's third State of the Union address. The speech will most likely focus on economic topics like jobs and the upcoming Congressional battles on spending. But what about the real battles? Will we hear about our president's plans for the wars, other than sure-to-change timetables and assurances that those who do evil will be brought to justice? I hope so.

These wars have been costly, both in American dollars and American lives. The Forever War highlights the painful realities of both. Every story Filkins's tells reminds me. I hope the last 101 pages are as good as the 244 before them. I'll let you know.