The United States doesn’t really know how to build nations anywhere, even when security conditions are relatively good. How can we expect to succeed in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan is making progress. But it will need continued American aid if it is to be a functioning country.
Obama’s Afghan strategy is smart and realistic. But he needs to convince the American people it will work.
Barack Obama has been saying that Iraq is a diversion and calls Afghanistan the “right” war. But if things get worse in Pakistan, the traditional Republican lead on national security could hand John McCain the advantage.
Washington keeps pouring conventional military aid into Pakistan, but development cash is what’s needed.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Jim Ruf takes a gulp of coffee and says, almost unbelievably: "I don't care where it comes from.