Re: We cannot sustain a 'colony' . . .
We can, however, sustain a period of occupation, during which we must strive to improve local conditions, but in the eyes of Afghan nationals, not U.S. puritans. Once stability is assured, both in Afghanistan and her neighbors, we can safely depart, our deed done.
Also, once it is shown that the majority of any nation wishes the U.S. to depart their lands, we should depart. We can hold hands to assist during development, but we cannot, and should not attempt to, babysit a government, fledgling or not.
Dan