This Is Why We Are Going To Lose In Afghanistan

U.S. Marines cross a stream during a security patrol through Nawa district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2009. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg

Morale Dips For American Marines In Afghanistan -- Times Online

In a remote part of Helmand troops are dismayed by the ambivalence of locals and a sense that the Taliban can outlast them.

A mile from South Station, an outpost of US marines in Helmand province, the tribal chief was openly hostile. “The Americans threaten our economy and take our land for bases. They promise much and deliver nothing,” he said.

“People here regard the American troops as occupiers,” said Haji Khan, a leader of the Baluch tribe, who rules like a medieval baron. “Young people are turning against them and in time will fight them.”

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My Comment: This article illustrates perfectly why the Afghan mission will fail. In short .... most of the people in Afghanistan do not care about what is happening in their country, and even less to improve it. Many are trapped in the 7th century, and they are happy to stay there.

Can we change this .... the answer is yes .... but it will involve a commitment of decades, a manpower presence in the tens of thousands (and more), and the expenditure of hundreds of billions of dollars.

When the U.S./Europe/etc. public realizes what must be involved .... the demands to leave will become louder.