In this post, I will be talking about the Afghanistan war. The reason for this war was clear from the beginning: preventing any further terrorist attacks on the United States. Moreover, the terrorists also threaten Afghanistan civilians, making their removal a positive event for those who experience pain from this group. While this operation does increase pain for both sides in the short term, its long-term impact is intended to make it worthwhile. The overall pleasure from the outcome of this conflict is expected to be significant for the world, which will become a safer place with fewer sources of pain. I think that a utilitarian would support this war directly after the initial terrorist attacks, as the perceived benefit will be increased happiness for the United States from the lack of outside threats. Another source of pleasure that could be derived from this action is the feeling of rightful revenge upon a group that has wronged the country.
Despite the initial perceived benefits of this militaristic operation, the consequences were devastating and were not worth the suffering. Moreover, the expected outcome of this conflict was the removal of the threat from the Taliban. After 20 years, the United States ceased all operations that aimed to remove the Taliban. In a recent news article, Schultz writes, “the Taliban surge occurring in Afghanistan as the U.S. troops are already 90% gone.” The decision to pull the military forces out is linked directly with the failure to achieve the beneficial effect of this action. These results outweigh any potential positive effects that the war could have had, as the amount of pain brought by it overshadows the temporary pleasure from more minor victories. Knowing the full extent of this conflict, a utilitarian would not support this war.
Upon the discovery of the evidence of significant pain that would have been inflicted in the case if the Taliban was not attacked by the U.S. troops, a utilitarian can be convinced to support the war. Additional terrorist attacks, government coups, and other sources of prolonged and highly probable pain causes can change utilitarians’ views.
I do not agree with the utilitarian approach, as militaristic conflicts are often destroying more lives than could be perceived through the number of people killed in action. These losses affect generations and society as a whole, and the pain they bring can not be measured accurately.
References
Schultz, M. “Grim End to Afghanistan War: No ‘Mission Accomplished’ or ‘Moment of Celebration,’ White House Says.”Fox News, 2021.