[Hodar]

IMHO, this is a Cultural battle, not a national one.

Why? Because the average Afghani considers himself a member of a particular clan, from a particular village. They do not consider themselves a nation under any modern understanding of the word. They are only concerned about what happens in their immediate vicinity. Are the women wearing their burkas? Then all is fine with the world.

Problem with terrorist next door? So what? As long as their family is unaffected, they have no concern or care; as that is their neighbor’s problem.

Until the Afghani’s begin to think of themselves as a nation, with a national identity - this problem will never go away.

[PLMerite]

“Problem with terrorist next door? So what? As long as their family is unaffected, they have no concern or care; as that is their neighbor’s problem.”

Maybe if the terrorist camp in the next valley picks up a tactical nuke they’ll see how interconnected they all are.

[elpadre]

One needs to remember that although Iraq at the time of the invasion was a fairly modern country (and evil), Afghanistan is a medieval country and changing their ways requires a completely different approach. They have come a long way in the past eight years, but it remains a long uphill pull.

The mere fact they approved a constitution and organized a government so quickly is a miracle in itself.(it took the US twelve years to do it)

The challenges are great but if we can keep the fight over there and not over here, it is worth it.