Interpreters: Afghanistan Heroes Who Haven’t Even Gotten a Thank-You - Washington Post Editorial

President Trump’s address on Afghanistan this week hailed U.S. troops as “brave defenders” and those who gave their lives as “a special class of heroes whose selflessness, courage and resolve is unmatched in human history.” He vowed “we will always win” and pledged that U.S. service members “will have the necessary tools and rules of engagement to make this strategy work, and work effectively and work quickly.” But Mr. Trump said nothing about the thousands of Afghans who have risked their lives to help U.S. and allied troops over the past decade and a half, in vital support roles such as interpreters. Not even a thank-you.

This neglect is unfortunate. Now that Mr. Trump has decided, by his own account, not to pull out of Afghanistan, and to increase the level of U.S. troops in the country for the foreseeable future, the United States must fully reward those who risk their lives to serve troops on the battlefield. A special immigrant visa program established by Congress has functioned erratically. If Mr. Trump is really serious about building up Afghan capabilities to resist the Taliban and about giving soldiers the tools they need, then he and Congress should once and for all provide enough special immigrant visas and timely processing for those Afghans who can qualify, and their families.

The interpreters, translators and support workers in Afghanistan have been indispensable to the long war, as returning U.S. service members often attest. In matters routine and life-threatening, they are the military’s link to the Afghan people, a channel that is essential if any strategy is to succeed. They not only expose themselves to combat but also face danger when they go home and are often targeted by the Taliban. The war could not be fought without them…

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Mattis to U.S. Troops: 'Hold the Line Until Our Country Gets Back to Respecting Each Other' by Brandon Carter - The Hill

Defense Secretary James Mattis gave a pep talk to U.S. troops stationed abroad during his trip to three countries last week.

In a video that has recently surfaced on social media, Mattis is seen speaking to U.S. troops in an unknown location. In his remarks to the troops, Mattis said the U.S. is facing “problems.”

“Our country right now, it’s got problems we don’t have in the military,” Mattis said. “You just hold the line until our country gets back to understanding and respecting each other and showing it.”

Mattis said the U.S. has “two powers” — “inspiration” and “intimidation.”

“We’ve got the power of intimidation, and that’s you, if someone wants to screw with our families, our country and our allies,” Mattis said. “The power of inspiration — [and] we’ll get the power of inspiration back.”

He also thanked the troops for their service and said he came out of retirement to “serve alongside young people like you who are so selfless and, frankly, so rambunctious.” …

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