Debate Doubts on Afghanistan

The lead article in today’s New York Times is titled, “Envoy Expresses Doubt on Forces for Afghanistan. ” It describes a report by the United States ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Elkenberry, that contradicts the request by General McChrtstal for 40,000 new troops.

The report expresses reservations about including any new troops at all, even going beyond the stance by Vice President Joe Biden. In fact, the recommendation seems to be getting the attention of President Obama who has reportedly been getting cold feet regarding a troop increase. He is particularly concerned about the way to measure progress and the exit strategy.

I also think that Mr. Obama’s recent trip to Dover airforce base and a visit to a special section of Arlington Cemetary — where the deceased soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are buried — has driven home his ultimate responsibility for both wars.

Frankly, I’m glad he is reconsidering.  Afghanistan has been a quagmire for colonists for hundreds of years, and there’s no specific reason why we should be the exception to the rule. It is only hubris to think we are different.

In fact, Afghanistan is not really a nation state at all. It is a collection of tribal warlords compounded by the inevitable corruption of the drug trade. The country is only one step ahead of Somalia in terms of its national integration.

So kudos President Obama for your continuing study of the situation.