A Western-style "win" simply isn't possible in that fragmented, tribal country.
There is the US and NATO.
There are the insurgents, the Taliban and al-Qaeda.
There's a third side, the narcotics industry. They are wealthy and determined, and even now have corrupted the tribal leadership and Karzai's government.
Which is the fourth side. The US and NATO trying to overcome the Taliban and al-Qaeda, the narcotics trade and large elements of Karzai's government.
And create what? Realistically, now. Realizing the opposition has the feet on the ground, an unending source of manpower, all the money a guerilla war requires and some protection from the government.
Frankly, I think the military can exert local control while they are present with overwhelming force. But I wouldn't call that a "win".
Arf
Current Events » in reply to Same as Iraq.
What does a realistic "win" look like in Afghanistan? There are 4 sides.
The whole thread (22 posts)
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