Does America Have Any Leverage In Afghanistan?

U.S. soldiers patrol along a creek in northern Kunduz province, Afghanistan, July 15, 2013. U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Sven Jenson

America’s Limited Leverage In Afghanistan -- Steven Metz, World Politics Review

Despite unfolding disasters in Egypt and Syria and the damage to American security from the bizarre Edward Snowden episode, Afghanistan, which had begun to seem like last year's news, is grabbing headlines again. The Obama administration is undertaking yet another review of its options following the planned drawdown of U.S. military forces in 2014. Reports are that the administration, frustrated with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, is considering a "zero option" that would leave no American troops in Afghanistan.

But before wholesale disengagement is even officially on the table, opposition to it is flaring. Angry at the idea, House Armed Services Committee chairman Rep. Buck McKeon—a key Republican lawmaker—got administration officials to assure him that they were not contemplating a zero option. Ultimately, the administration’s policy review is likely to choose between slightly more or slightly less of the same.

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My Comment: I disagree with the political costs that would be associated with a withdrawal from Afghanistan. The overwhelming majority of Americans now favor a departure from Afghanistan .... most are aware of the situation, and they are also frustrated that there is no clear end game or resolution to the conflict. Add insult to injury .... we are supporting a government that is clearly corrupt and has zero interest in changing the status quo. As to what is my opinion .... long term readers know that I have been pushing for a complete withdrawal from Afghanistan for a very long time. This is a conflict that is best solved by the Afghans themselves, and any continued presence by our forces will only exacerbate the situation.