As a society we’ve become too casualty averse, we behave as though wars do not naturally involve death and destruction. Comparing Afghanistan to Vietnam, as some left-leaning hand wringers have done, is ludicrous: 58,000 US troops died in Nam, and over a million Vietnamese. That war was wrong-headed and monstrously excessive. In Afghanistan, the casualty rates are much lower, and we’re fighting an enemy wholly incapable of mounting effective guerrilla attacks, hence the profligacy of IED-related casualties.

Also, if you take a look at the opinion polls in Afghanistan, the vast majority of Afghans polled want rid of the Taliban. While they may generally hold an unfavourable view of ISAF’s continued presence in their country, it is necessary if they are to have a national army capable of securing the country against the Taliban, al Qaeda and the Haqqani network. With the latest news that one of the insurgent factions, the Gulbuddin Hekmatyar network, possibly switching sides in an alliance with the Kabul government, the tide may be turning.

We in the West like to believe that an anti-war perspective naturally lends itself to ‘doing right’ by people in war-torn countries. The reality is, however, that we are anti-war for our own selfish interests, hence the statistics related to building hospitals and schools. Ultimately, the governments of Thatcher and Reagan created the mess that is fundamentalist insurgency in the region, promoting mujahideen terrorists (what they referred to back then as ‘freedom fighters’) against secular-minded, pro-women’s rights socialists and communists. I think that gives us a responsibility to try to amend the wrongs committed in the name of prosecuting the Cold War.

As for the political parties involved, they are in agreement regarding the right nature of the war because it is right, and also because to rally against it would undermine the somewhat questionable notion that our domestic security would be impeded should we evacuate Afghanistan. That would leave them all in a politically untenable position, and render the highly lucrative and politically useful ‘war on terror’ utterly defunct. And we all know how big a business fear promotion has become.

What is so irnonic about Khalilzad that he is still giving his advice to Obama adminstration through Op-Ed sections in major U.S. news media and papers.

Khalil

A detailed profile with the headline “Karzai in his labyrinth”, published last August in The New York Times, painted a picture of a tortured leader cracking under the claustrophobic pressure of his job. “His friends told me he has health problems. He’s skin and bones. He always has a cold or a cough and takes effervescent vitamin C tablets compulsively,” wrote Elizabeth Rubin. “He snaps easily. Promotes flatterers. Kills the messenger. Hugs his enemies. Abuses his friends. And his twitching eye — a nervous tic, [friends] say — is unusually active.”

Although aides claim that Mr Karzai’s latest outbursts against America and the EU were misunderstood, he has described his temper as an asset. “When needed, my extreme toughness with our allies is an asset I want the Afghan people to have if they choose so,” he said. He does, however, cry a lot in private, sources told The Times.

Thank you very much for your kind comment.
As you know Afghanistan’s descent into conflict and instbility began with the overthrow of the late king in 1973.
There is no more to be said about the good old days of Afghanistan.

Khalil

Thank you for your kind words. It is pleasure make a difference in reader’s views by introducing my native experience.

Hope to see you in DC.

Khalil

Yes, he is in a jungle surrounded by predators. If he defects to Taliban his allegiance is only temporary. He will not last long within the organization if US to leave.

if the US is there to help then expectation are that Afghan government to roll up its sleeves as well. Or at least show due diligence on its part that it is trying its best. But it is the opposite with drug trafficking and warlord appointments to high government positions..

Malcom said it right, we are paying with our blood and money because of this idiot.

Present at the founding! Paul Wolfowitz, Douglas Feith, Donald Rumsfeld, etc. — Khalilzad was not only consorting with criminals but advancing them (Taliban) in government! He would be right at home (literally) in present-day Afghanistan.

This is guy is the destroyer of American interest and as Nouri said the biggest manipulator in Afghan interim government.
Wasted lives, time and money must be all blamed on idiot Bush who trusted Khalilzad, and look where we are in Afghanistan.

I am sure there are cridible people to replace him.

Your article very well reflects the solution for Afghanistan.

And I had hope for the return of the ex-King’s type of government. He was regarded by the Afghan people and would have been a symbol of unity. May he rest in Peace.

Many Afghans had a deep love and respect for him, whose lenghty reign was associated with peace, security and modest political reform.

Let us hope for someone to follow his footsteps.

Thank you for the article.

Dr. Robert Roy

And long time no talk; I hope you and your family are happy, healthy and well. I must say, I absolutely loved your latest articles “Afghan Election Must Be Shunned” and this one. I learn so much every time you send out these links and just wanted to show my appreciation for keeping me on your e-mail list. I’ll look forward to the next article…especially after the latest “diplo-talk” showdown going on between DC and Karzai. Our beloved country surely needs all the insight and advice from those such as yourself…I’m sure you are doing more good than you know.

Many thanks again for all your insights; you’re an inspiration!

Warmest regards,
KG

A little research and history of Kandahar would help.

The stories will be abundant with speculations of if it were the US and her clandestined heroes, or the Taliban and Al Qaida pajama wearing goons that have made him dissapear…