Ten years. Thousands of lives. Billions of dollars.
This Friday, October 7, 2011, marks 10 years since the United States invaded Afghanistan in the name of the "War on Terror." Sadly, this summer President Obama announced he'll continue our military presence in the country until 2014, and Congress has agreed to follow his lead.
Where do we go from here?
We've put together a short video based on Isaiah 2:4, which reads:
"He will judge between the nationsand will settle disputes for many peoples.They will beat their swords into plowsharesand their spears into pruning hooks.Nation will not take up sword against nation,nor will they train for war anymore."
Sojourners and its members have spoken out against the war since the very beginning -- speeches, protests, press conferences, letters -- and we'll continue to do so until it is ended.
But now, approaching this unbelievable anniversary, we come together to mourn, pray, and resolve to finally bring the war to an end.
We hope the video is useful to you for reflecting on where we find ourselves at this point in history and as a tool to start conversations with your church, your friends, and even your family.
For peace,
Jim Wallis