lionshead2010 wrote: I have two years on the ground in Afghanistan. I'm no "expert" but I know a little about the place and what makes it tick.
For instance, I know that the British and Soviets have failed before us. I saw evidence of their time there every day as I traveled the country. I also know that they are a deeply divided country whose wound's will take decades to heal. And I know that, though there are some awesome resources available in the country, it will require decades and billions of dollars to bring the country into the 20th, much less the 21st, century.
We need to be IN either all or nothing. Keep all the troops there and pour our heart and soul into the fight or get out lock, stock and barrel.
One more thing I know. America doesn't have the political will or the treasure to fix Afghanistan. Every drop of blood we spill or dollar we spend there now is a terrible waste. We should get out as fast as we can. Bring all the men and women home. Use air power to contain what ensues there...and let them have it out. After the smoke clears, we can go in with an approach like China is taking. No troops...just investments in resources that will benefit our country.
Taking a few troops out of Afghanistan to look good politically is the worst possible option. Any general or admiral who opposes the President's decision knows they will be gone like McChrystal and teaching at some Ivy League college.
We should ask the Brits and former Soviets how it went for them. Or you can just fly to Afghanistan and see monuments to their terrible failure everywhere you go.
