Retired general says war in Afghanistan, Iraq costly but worth it

Published: 2003-10-23

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Retired Gen. Tommy R. Franks, the American commander of armed forces in Afghanistan and in Iraq, told the annual Al Smith dinner in New York Oct. 22 that the wars in those nations were costly but worth the price. They were fought because of the desire of Americans for "another 200 years of freedom in this country," he said. "No price is too great." But with the two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq won, "now two peaces must be won," he said. The dinner is named for Alfred E. Smith, a former governor of New York who in 1928 became the first Catholic nominated for president by a major party. New York Cardinal Francis J. Spellman initiated the Smith dinner in 1945 to raise funds for medical charities, and enlisted prominent figures as speakers to attract ticket buyers.

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