Beyond vs. Future

[rainbow402]

Dear Teacher,

Can I replace " beyond" with " future" in the following context? I think " future" is a better word. I know I won't be right. But why? Thanks in advance!

WASHINGTON — Army leaders are expressing increased alarm about the mental health of soldiers who would be sent back to the front again and again under plans that call for troop numbers to be sustained at high levels in Iraq for this year and beyond.

 

[lrk2006]

beyond looks ok to me.

(not a teacher)

 

[David L.]

The whole point is to get the troops out as soon as possible. In the original paragraph, it is intimated that they will be in Iraq for at least another year...and perhaps even more than that. However, to say, 'one year and the future' suggests a pull-out date is indefinite, just some time in the future. This will not go down well in Iraq, or in the USA. It sounds like an invasion AND occupation of the country indefinitely.
Also, it is mixing two time-frame references. 'one year and beyond' takes us firstly, to the end of the year, then beyond that.
With 'one year and the future' : the future is from this moment on. 'one year' is from this moment to 12 months time. Imagine my saying, 'for ever and ever and the next 12 months' !

 

[rainbow402]

David, thanks for your illustration. I understood. :up: