Afghanistan: The Last Straw

From Strategy Page:

November 6, 2008: Throughout the country, and especially in the south, Afghans are unhappy with the growing activity by bandits. This is an ancient Afghan problem, and is the norm. No one likes to say that out loud, but the historical record is rather clear on the matter. However, for most of the time during the past few centuries, there were no journalists to report on the dangerous conditions on the roads and trails. But the few 19th century accounts of the unsafe conditions of the Afghan backcountry (the cities aren't much better), read remarkably like the situation today. While the drug gangs and the Taliban have added some gunmen to the mix, the basic problem remains.

Read more ....