The Easy Way Out -- A Poignant Commentary From the Small Wars Journal

Afghanistan Teenage Schoolgirls

June 11, 2008: There are several wars going on in Afghanistan, and that's a big part of the problem. There is the war between independent minded tribes and provincial governors. That's because central government was never a popular idea in the region called Afghanistan. Fans of central government are still a minority, and many of those simply want to get their hands on more loot for their family and tribe by controlling part of the government.

Out in the countryside, there's a war between the Taliban, and everyone else. The Taliban represent a religious movement, one that doesn't just advocate a particular belief system, but insists that the Taliban lifestyle be accepted, under pain of death. This has split families and tribes, as it is a civil war between modernity, and the past. Islam is involved on both sides, and these two different interpretations of Islam are deemed worth fighting to the death for, at least by the Taliban. Many less religious Afghans are willing to just go along, rather than risk death at the hands of Taliban fanatics. But most Afghans would rather just try to improve their lives and tend to their families without the Taliban busting their chops.

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My Comment: This post was obviously written by someone who does not mince words with what is the "state of the ground" in Afghanistan. It is a depressing summary .... but when you read it you realize that it is true.

We are a 21rst century society trying to bring a 15th century society into the modern age. The difference between us and the Taliban, is that they want to go back to the 7th century.

To change a culture and society in one generation is impossible. If we are lucky, our success will only be noticed in 50 years .... maybe. The problem is that I do not see "us in the west" having the patience nor will to stay in Afghanistan in the long run. There is no oil there. No strategic materials. Just mountains, very little vegetation, inhospitable weather, and a people made up of different tribes and ethnic groups that do not trust each other. When President Bush is gone, the new administration .... whether it is McCain or Obama .... will be laying the groundwork for an eventual American and Nato withdrawl.

Afghanistan's only hope is its children, and the need to educate them on the value of the sciences, the classics, philosophy, and useful trades. If we do our job right today, maybe .... just maybe .... Afghanistan's children in the year 2058 may be pushing the country in the right direction.