Weapons Biz Bankrolls Experts Pushing to Extend Afghan War

A study group established by Congress recommends that the U.S. extend the May 1 deadline for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. But who’s providing these critical recommendations about America’s longest war? Over two-thirds of the group’s members have current or recent financial ties to the weapons business. They’ve received at least $4 million in reported compensation from weapons companies. Only four members come without clear financial ties to the weapons business, so there is a potential conflict of interest for the majority of group members, between their outside work and their policy recommendations about the war. After 20 years — at a massive cost to Americans right here at home — wouldn’t it be a good idea to get a diversity of perspectives? Not just from people in the weapons business?