We're Screwed In Afghanistan

How Screwed Are We in Afghanistan? Discuss...

By Noah Shachtman
October 10, 2008 3:36:00 PM
Categories: Agony of A-Stan
Courtesy Of Wired Blog Network

A draft intelligence reports says Afghanistan is in a "downward spiral." The commanders on the ground are begging for more troops -- without much luck. The White House has launched an "urgent review" of American policy, "amid growing concern that the administration lacks a comprehensive strategy" in Afghanistan. "The trends across the board are not going in the right direction," admits the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. "We’re not going to win this war," one British general says.

Just how screwed are we in Afghanistan? For every possible solution to this crisis -- adding more troops, reaching out to the tribes, negotiating with the Taliban, whacking militants in Pakistan -- there seems an equally plausible reason why it won't work.

So what are the answers? More airpower? Less airpower? Strong central government? Rule-by-regional-warlord? What has a chance of success, and what is only going to make the "downward spiral" spin worse? Next week, we'll have some observations from a keen observer who just returned from the Afghanistan. For now, let's talk about it, in the comments.

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