4 - Tuesday, September 23, 2008 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.cam Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@umich.edu ANDREW GROSSMAN EDITOR IN CHIEF GARY GRACA EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR GABE NELSON MANAGING EDITOR Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors. FROM THE DARIY Driving in a new direction Student input will help solve campus transportation issues (They should) have a pretty good idea of what countries we're fighting in:' - Retired Lt. Col. John Nagl, commenting on the U.S. Army's inadequate and inconsistent language instruction for troops fighting in foreign countries, as reported yesterday by The New York Times. ELAINE MORTONINATURE CALLS E-MAIL ELAINE AT EMORT@UMICH.EDU .&C-qdA kC ,~e- ok.. r k4r a M re t More 6,1thanacodsude C hances are you have had or will have at least one miserable transportation experience during your time at the Univer- sity. From late buses to inadequate parking to parking tick- ets, students struggle to make sense of a transportation system that should be so efficient they don't think about it. To learn what works and what doesn't, the University Parking and Transportation Ser- vices has wisely initiated the Transportation and Parking Student Advisory Council, intended to update and regulate its transporta- tion system with the help of those who use it most: the students. 0 Recently, the University introduced new changes to its transportation system - but apparently forgot to notify students. The University started a Diag-to-Diag bus route, and the Northwood Express route now runs five minutes earlier. While typically neither of these changes would be problematic, the issue is that neither of these changes were well-publicized, even at bus stops. In fact, the signs at bus stops are outdated if they even exist at all. Such problems - in addition to unresolved issues like the challenges of parking near campus - have led PTS to establish this new committee. Composed of a few transporta- tion officials and students from different schools and colleges at the University, the committee hopes to use the recommenda- tions of the student body to strengthen the University's transportation system. As it begins its investigations, the council and PTS should focus on the kinds of chang- es that will make public transportation on campus easy and efficient. Right now, some fundamental issues are holding back the bus system on campus, like tardiness, overcrowding and sparse weekend service. The first logical step is updating each bus stop sign and PTS's website to represent the changes to the University's routes. In this same vein, it should examine resources like the Magic Bus website. Though Magic Bus is designed to keep students informed about bus routes and the progress of buses, it isn't always accurate, which defeats the purpose of having it at all. If you want a telling example of how bad the Magic Bus website is, just read the caveat it offers on the site: "The Magic Bus system and this website, are still under develop- ment. Bus riders are encouraged to use it. However, reliable and accurate service is not guaranteed." Luckily, the University has a good model for its system right here in the city: the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority. Thanks to a small fee tacked onto students' tuition, they can ride not only the University buses but also the city buses for free at anytime just by showing their M-Card. This offers students access to the efficient, hybrid AATA buses, which tend to run on schedule. The Univer- sity bus system should follow the AATA's lead and; step up to its standards, ensuring that using the University system is at least as efficient as the AATA. In fact, merely focus- ing on the University bus system could alle- viate many of the city's problems. After all, the stronger the public transportation sys- tem is throughoutAnn Arbor, the more like- ly it is students will use it, which will also lessen the burden of parking in town. But these problems will only be addressed if students participate, whether it's applying to join the council or coming to it with their concerns. Through the Transportation and Parking Student Advisory Council, the Uni- versity is offering a rare opportunity for stu- dents to have a say in the system - but now they must take advantage of it. o you feel that chill in the air? There's a cold breeze swirl- ing, and it's not a sign of the coming winter It's the frigid rela- tions between Rus- sia and the United States. Some people are calling it the beginning of a new Cold War. Whether or not this is true, +- there is certainlyA much to be worried ALEX about. PRASAD Bolstered by skyrocketing ener- gy prices, Russia, under new president Dmitry Med- vedev (a puppet for former president and current prime minister Vladimir Putin), is becoming more adventurous about throwing its weight around in Asia and Europe. And this newfound bravado has been to the detriment of. the United States and its ideals. First, the facts. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administra- tion, Russia is in a position of unprece- dented energy wealth. Among the rest of the world, Russia is No. 1in natural gas reserves, No.2 incoal reserves and No. 8 in largest oil reserves. In August 2007, Russia resumed Cold War-era strategic bomber flights. This Sep- tember, Russia and Venezuela agreed to conduct joint military exercises. Russia has plans to move at least four naval ships into Venezuelan ports. And after both the Czech Republic and Poland agreed to house impor- tant aspects of a U.S.-developed mis- sile shield designed to protect Europe from ballistic missiles, the Russian Foreign Ministry responded by saying a "military response" would follow. So how are we to tackle this grow- ing anti-American influence spreading throughout Eastern Europe and per- haps the world? One thing is certain: Diplomacy alone isn't the answer. Diplomacy from a position of weak- ness doesn't work and won't work to reign in what is increasingly becom- ing a rogue Russian regime. Look at the North Korean approach. For years, the Bush administration backed tough sanctions against North Korea, refusingto give the oppressive regime of Kim Jong Il the legitimacy of face- to-face talks. Finally, the Bush admin- istration gave in to the sentiments of the State Department and many lib- eral commentators and negotiated a six-nation effort to end the country's nuclear program. The result: A little over a year after the agreement was signed, North Korea decided to restart its program last week. Considering its current weak posi- tion, the United States must tackle this problem head on, develop a position of strength and not be ashamed to pro- claim its motivations. Missile defense installations must be installed in the Czech Republic and Poland, despite Russia's threats. These installations will undoubtedly make Europe safer (from yet another perturbing threat: Iran), and will help the United States stay safer at home as missile defense technology is put into action and we learn more about how to perfect the process. The United States must also com- mit itself to defend its allies that so proudly hold up the democratic ideals that we share. It's understandable that the United States' European NATO allies aren't quick to criticize Russia given that a majority of their energy supplies, including natural gas, are imported from Russia. The rest of Europe doesn't want to experience the cold winter that Ukraine did two years ago, when Russia shut off its natural gas for the better part of a week dur- ing intense negotiations. Russia is in such a strong strategic position that it would be tough now to undo the influence and power it has in contemporary Europe. But make no mistake: The price of failing to stop this new Russian aggression will be steep. According to Freedom House, in 1972 there were only 42 democrat- ic nations in the world. Today, there are 123. A domino effect of countries wilting under Russian pressure, espe- cially in the former Soviet Bloc, could reverse this significant progress. And Russia already began its brazen power play with its recent invasion of Georgia. Why being passive with Russia just won't cut it. In a cowardly act, the United States promised aid to Georgia, not military assistance, while the democratic for- mer Soviet Republic, was stearrrolled by a merciless invading force from Russia. As Russian troops marched toward his capital, Georgian Presi- dent Mikheil Saakashvili said it best, "What's at stake here is America's ide- als. If freedom collapses in Georgia, it will collapse ... in other places as well. His fears are well founded. Ask the Ukrainians left in the cold by Russia just two years ago. Ask the thousands of refugees from Russian's recent invasion. Hopefully these fears will be addressed by a new U.S. president in January who is seriously committed to maintaining peace through strength. Alex Prasad can be reached at atprasad@umich.edu. EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Harun Buljina, Emmarie Huetteman, Emily Michels, Kate Peabody, Robert Soave, Imran Syed The Daily is looking for smart people with an interest in campus issues and excellent writing skills to be members of its editorial board. E-MAIL GARY GRACA AT GRACA@MICHIGANDAILY.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be less than 300 words and must include the writer's full name and University affiliation. All submissions become property of the Daily. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to to thedaily@umich.edu. ', ISSUES 2008 ON THE WAR IN IRAQ COLLEGE DEMOCRATS I V EWP .T A structured, necessary end COLLEGE REPUBLICANS VIEWPOINT Putting stability first in Iraq In 2003, during the run up to the war in Iraq, terrorism threats at home and overseas created an environment of fear that reverberated throughout the country. During this time, Barack Obama made a courageous and prescient speech calling for Wash- ington to rethink this "dumb war." The war has cost the lives of thousands of U.S. servicemen and women and has wounded countless more. While many people have touted military strat- egies like the surge as the cause of the recent decrease in violence, many, notably Defense Secretary Robert Gates, aren't sure these low levels of violence will endure. According to an Associated Press-GfK poll this month, more than half of Americans believe it is time to begin phasing troops out. 'Barack Obama has put together a logical and orga- nized plan for a structured withdrawal of one to two brigades a month, a plan endorsed by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. This will end the war in about 16 months without creating chaos in Iraq. The war in Iraq is a distraction from the real war against terrorism: the war in Afghanistan. Afghan infrastructure is severely weakened, leading to drug trafficking and, consequently, violence. Since the start of the surge, al Qaeda's presence in Afghani- stan has increased dramatically, leading Gen. David Petraeus to call for redeployment of troops there last week. Obama understands that Afghanistan is cen- tral to winning the war against terrorism and that only by beginning a phased withdrawal in Iraq can we begin to resume our efforts in Afghanistan. While Obama has never agreed with the war, his voting record is consistently supportive of the troops. Throughoutthe wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he has voted to increase funding for veterans' health care, and he co-sponsored Virginia Sen. Jim Webb's bill to provide adequate rest periods for troops between deployments. Obama also supported the new GI Bill, which provides veterans with a college education, a right they deserve in exchange for their sacrifices. Rather than sending troops into a war and failing to provide for them, Obama is willing to fund veter- ans' needs, from increased body armor to top-notch health care and free education when they return. Though the human loss is the most important reason for ending the occupation in Iraq, the eco- nomic implications of the war are also important. Since the beginning of the war in Iraq, the United States has spent almost _ $600 billion. According to the National Priorities Project website, the people of Michigan will pay $17.4 This is part tw billion of that. This money could have been spent pro- by Colleg viding one year of health care for 6.5 million people or 13 million children, pow- important I ering 24.5 million homes with renewable energy Ele for one year or paying one year of college tuition and fees for roughly 1.8 million Michigan residents. If Obama is elected president, he will phase troops out of Iraq in a logical, reasonable manner. Some troops will be redeployed to Afghanistan, where they will help make the region safer and protect the United States from terrorism. Some will return home where they will be provided with health care and an education. Ultimately, come Nov. 4, Americans must make a choice: Do we choose to continue a war based on fear and lies, or do we choose to end it? This viewpoint was written on behalf of the University's chapter of College Democrats. 'o in a e Dem ans th ssues ction We are seeing progress in Iraq. Since March 2007,violence has droppedby more than 90 percent and a stable, safe and democratic Iraq has begun to prosper. Iraqi forces, both Sunni and Shiite, are becoming much more active in defending their nation. U.S. forces are lessening their role. These successes can be attributed to last year's troop surge, a policy that even Barack Obama declared has "succeeded beyond our wildest dreams." When many in the United States saw this as a disastrous decision, John McCain stood up for what he saw as right and supported five-part series the surge. He is right on this issue and is the aocrats and best man to direct our iat looks at Iraq policy. Let's set McCain's leadingu to record on Iraq straight. up9 In 2003, he voted with Day. the Senate to autho- rize the United States to attack Saddam Hus- sein and Iraq. From the start he criticized President Bush and then-Defense Secretary Don- ald Rumsfeld's handling of the war, arguing that we didn't send enough troops. McCain called for a troop surge years before it was actually enacted and risked his political career to support the troop surge when it was announced in early 2007. That troop surge has been a success and shows how his judgment is right when it comes to leading our military. John McCain wants to get most.of our troops out of Iraq as soon as possible. But he also doesn't want to leave Iraq unstable and unable to govern and defend itself. Because we don't know how long this might take, we can't set a timetable for troop withdrawals. What happens if we set a timetable and Iraq hasn't reached a point where it can stand on its own? Do we just pull out and say "figure it out on your own"? Absolutely not. We need to stay in Iraq as long as it takes to ensure that the nation can govern itself. This may take 16 months, which is the length of Obama's timetable. It may take less time, but it also may take longer. Democrats will quote McCain as saying he wants to be in Iraq for the next 100 years. Aside frombeingtaken out of context,this attack shows a strategic gap in Democrats' thinking. Obama's call for a full troop withdrawal sure sounds good, but this fortune-cookie answer overlooks a vital reality in international politics. Do we really want to not maintain a presence in a volatile region populated by organizations and states intent on harming us and our allies? We've been in Germany and Japan for almost 60 years and South Korea for more than 50 years. Our military presence has made the world much more secure. The United States needs to maintain a long- term presence in the Middle East in order to ensure stability in the region. And, to put McCa- in's words in context, he said that it would be fine to keep some troops in Iraq only if they weren't being harmed. In John McCain, we have an experienced and knowledgeable man who knows our military, has the judgment needed to lead it and can keep it on the right track. When it comes to Iraq, McCain knows how to direct our troops to secure a stable nation and region and bring most of them home. This viewpoint was written on behalf of the University' chapter of the College Republicans. A