What Has Happened Since The U.S. Killed Osama bin Laden?

On May 2, 2011 in Pakistan, the U.S. killed Osama bin Laden, in a war the U.S. launched 10 years ago today. With great fanfare, President Obama proudly proclaimed this killing in a speech to the American people. But what has happened since then? What difference did it make?

None! This endless war and occupation continues as does the killing and maiming of men, women and children, as President Obama with funding from Congress escalates the violence. Nearly 1,700 U.S. soldiers have been killed, at least 12,000 soldiers have been severely injured, all with devastating impact on their families. The families of U.S. "contractors" and allies in smaller numbers are also bearing the loss of their loved ones. While tens of thousands of Afghans have been killed or severely injured and thousands of Afghan children have been orphaned. And for what?

The financial cost of the Afghan War to Americans is approaching a $1/2 trillion and that doesn't count the financial cost U.S. taxpayers will bear for decades to come taking care of the severely injured and establishing programs for those who will otherwise homelessly wander the streets. All of these people could otherwise have had productive lives.

What will it take for the U.S. to end this war and occupation it launched 10 years ago? How much longer does the U.S. intend to fight in and occupy Afghanistan? What are the U.S.'s objectives there? And what are the consequences to U.S. safety when some Afghan families seek revenge for the horrific losses the U.S. has caused them?

Dick