The Unfortunate Truth About Leaving Afghanistan

U.S. Marines exit a compound in Agha Ahmad in Afghanistan's Helmand province, Aug. 27, 2012. The Marines are assigned to Scout Sniper Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Regimental Combat Team 6. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ed Galo

The Harsh Truth About Leaving Afghanistan -- The Telegraph

Our troops will pull out in 2014 knowing that the Taliban will be part of a future Afghan government

The length of the campaign in Afghanistan is a vivid measure of its cost. When British soldiers finally withdraw at the end of 2014, the fighting will have lasted for 13 years, making our Fourth Afghan War the longest foreign conflict this country has waged since the days of Napoleon. After so much toil and sacrifice, the Government owes it to the nation to acknowledge some harsh realities.

No one doubts the achievement of our forces, along with their American and coalition allies. Until 2001, Afghanistan served as the global headquarters of al-Qaeda and the location for training camps turning out thousands of terrorists. All that has come to an end, with the camps razed and al-Qaeda eliminated as a functioning force, at least within Afghanistan’s borders. Our soldiers can take pride in their part in removing a threat to the security of the West.

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My Comment: I do not share the Telegraph's view that the Taliban will be sharing power after 2014. From my vantage point, the Taliban have no interest in sharing power, and will continue to fight long after 2014.