Distrust of Afghan Leaders Threatens U.S. War Strategy

JALALABAD, Afghanistan — Nearly a year into a new war strategy for Afghanistan, the hardest fighting is still ahead, but already it is clear that the biggest challenge lies not on the battlefield but in the governing of Afghanistan itself.

It was very unrealistic to think that in 18 months they would be able, with the Afghan government, to secure a very large part of the country which is insecure today,” said Nader Nadery, a commissioner on the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, who travels extensively around the country. “Look at only Marja. It took such a long time just to secure that area.”

The timeline also leaves many Afghans reluctant to back the Americans and the Afghan government, because they fear that the members of the NATO coalition may be leaving soon, Mr. Nadery said. The point was echoed by European diplomats.

“I did not anticipate the increasing sense of uncertainty among Afghans that Americans and Europeans will pack their bags and leave the country in the coming weeks and months,” said Vygaudas Usackas, who recently arrived in the country to serve as the European Union’s special representative to Afghanistan.









http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/13/world/asia/13afghan.html?src=twt&twt=nytimes

CLUSTERFCK.

Oh you said the magic word that makes DU explode! You said it twice!

The war was never worth fighting in the first place. Nor was it necessary or justifiable.

War is not a poker bet you limp in, you go all in, or you don't go in at all.