[plymaniac]

I am sure there is still a lot of work to do in Afghanistan.

In my opinion, the first objective of the Bush Plan was to eliminate Afghanistan as an asset controlled by the terrorists. That's basically been achieved.

The second objective is to establish Afghanistan as a pro-US nation, regardless of leadership or form of government. That's what we are trying to achieve now.

The third objective will be to establish a healthy and independent capitalist democracy. This appears to be the type of society that doesn't engage in, or welcome, terorism.

[RonF]

I agree with your analysis. I'd agree that in many areas of Afghanistan, the first objective has been achieved. While the jury is still out on some of the more remote warlord-controlled areas, it's nowhere near as centralized and sophisticated as it was before.

What I worry about is the progress along the 2nd and 3rd objectives, and our willingness to spend the time, money, and people needed to achieve them.