They got nowhere because Afghanistan was not a real-world concern. Afghanistan was autonomous, with no directly startling effect upon U.S. citizens and/or policy. We do not impose ourselves upon the internal affairs of other nations, any more than we would wish for other nations to impose themselves upon the internal affairs of the U.S. We make suggestions. They make suggestion. Negotiations are carried out regarding trade relations and the humane treatment of populations. We do not impose.

When a nation's government decides to threaten or attack the sovereignty of another nation, that is when the U.S. gets involved -- or should get involved. After all, who else would? The Taliban's choice of target, however, was under the same misconceptions that allowed other enemies of freedom to underestimate the might and determination of the United States government, her individual soldiers, and her citizenry.

So, now we're in Afghanistan, acting as security and mentor for a new, hopefully U.S.-friendly regime.

If you want the U.S. to become involved in other nations' internal politics, just hope the other nation(s) decides to attack a neighbor -- or worse, attack the U.S. on U.S. soil. We'll be there, and change will occur.

Dan