Yup - it's a mess for sure. Unfortunately, it's our mess, too.

One of the critical junctures in Charlie Wilson's War was when the guy who decided to help the insurgents with training and arms did so because of religious convictions -- being on God's side of the conflict against the Godless Soviets.

Charlie made the comment (I think he was the one) at that point, "What happens if things change and God is on both sides?"

The main point of the story is that we just walked away after the Soviets left. We let things go their natural course, allowing the religious radicals to take control. Lo and behold, we got attacked by the folks who were protected by the Taliban.

Oh, but no one could have ever predicted that. Right?

Lots of controversy about this. The Taliban are successfully adopting the tactics that were so effective against our forces in Iraq (IEDs). Add in the ability for gaining sanctuary in Pakistan, in that tribal region that the Pakistani government really can't control. Local warlords in their pocket or under their thumbs, to boot.

Afganistan is a perennial sinkhole for military action. In the '80s, we (CIA) used the very same sanctuary to assist the forces we now face, in their effort to throw off the Soviets. Now they're using the training we gave them to go back after control (strict oppression) of the people we supported after 9/11. Did you see Charlie Wilson's War?

Generals tend to fight the last war when they go after the next one. Unfortunately, the so-called surge tactic will not work in this case. Pouring in more ground forces could just make things worse, and gain us little.

Many are saying that what Obama said about this war during the campaign showed little insight on this subject. Notice that he has been stepping up missile attacks in the Pakistani tribal region, going after the Taliban leadership, since taking office. The Pakistani government is brittle -- and has nuclear arms.

Afganistan is a powder keg right now. Rabbit holes exemplified, too.

I've heard some people say that Afghanistan is going to be Obama's Iraq. Why are we talking about Afghanistan more since the election? I don't mean to sound critical, I honestly feel like I've missed something.

The nation as we’ve known it is fading before our very eyes, but we’re still pouring billions of dollars into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq with missions we are still unable to define.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/opinio...