In September, 2001 U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., cast the lone "no" vote against authorizing war on Afghanistan, in reaction to the news that hijackers, most from Saudi Arabia, had attacked America.

She explained at the time that while she deplored the attacks, "the Congress failed its responsibility to understand the dimensions of its declaration."

Eight years, thousands of lives and billions of dollars later -- I wish we had listened to Congresswoman Lee. What a wasted opportunity to take steps to really address international terrorism.

We have now been at war with Afghanistan for eight years. The latest statistics indicate that the Taliban control about 80 percent of the country. Last week, Swedish medical workers complained of being tied up by U.S. troops who stormed their hospital in an attempt to decide who should be treated there.

We are losing the battle for hearts and minds that is fundamental to any counterinsurgency effort.

Last April, I heard Prof. Andrew Bacevich of Boston University testify to Congress. He is a veteran who specializes in war studies and whose son died in Iraq. He told the committee that international terrorism is a problem that can be solved only by international policing, not by application of military force.

How many more lives must be lost before we take a look at our failed policies in Afghanistan?

Lisa Savage

Solon