Haass on Afghanistan

LINK:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/165648/

"The Taliban is gaining ground; security is deteriorating; drugs and corruption are rampant. More U.S. and NATO troops are needed, but any increase will need to be temporary, given rising Afghan nationalism. The chief priority should be training Afghanistan's Army and police. Regular talks are needed with those with a stake in the country's future, including Iran, Pakistan, India, China, Russia, and NATO. The government should be encouraged to meet with Taliban leaders willing to accept a ceasefire. Counterdrug efforts, while essential, should be targeted and low-key, lest an alienated populace grow more so."

Many of Haass's ideas are conventional and reassuring, but are counterintuitive when you consider the information gleaned from sources such as the HTT program and Nir Rosen's recent piece in Rolling Stone. Are we prepared to continue a half assed, nation building exercise in the heart of fragmenting Central Asia for another 30 years? If not, then we should leave immediately instead of continuing to insist that throwing cash at bridges, clinics, girls schools, and counter narcotics is going to lead to victory. Like William Lind might say, "Go Rome or go home."