Sharing the burden of the war in Iraq.

• Author: Friedman, Thomas L.
• Position: Perspectives

Here's what has bothered me most about how this war is being conducted: The whole burden is being borne by a small cadre of Americans--the soldiers, their families, and reservists--and the test of us are just sailing along, as if it has nothing to do with us. This dichotomy is exactly what the Bush team wants. From the outset, it has adopted the view that this war will be handled by the Pentagon alone. We don't need the U.N. We don't need our traditional allies. And most of all, we don't need the public. No sacrifices required, no new taxes to pay for this long-term endeavor, and...