What the West needs in Afghanistan: humility

Christian Science Monitor by Greg Mills | Aug. 18, 2009 (Opinion)

... if the experience in Afghanistan and other attempts at state-building teach anything, it is of the need to get the strategy and politics right first. At the onset of such missions, the right questions have to be asked: "For what purpose?", "How?", and "How long?" With the Afghan presidential election upcoming on Aug. 20 and Western forces contemplating how best to support local allies, these questions are as relevant today as they were at the start of ... Full Story »

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Related Comments: Afghanistan (5)

3.8

by Fabrice Florin - Aug. 18, 2009

Thoughtful perspective about how to turn Afghanistan from a failed state to a successful democracy, from the head of South Africa's Brenthurst Foundation. The author makes a reasonable case that diplomacy and investment in long-term needs like education and new jobs may be more effective than military action to bringing about the changes that Afghanistan so desperately needs.

Today, we're comparing 'sparring opinions' on Afghanistan from the Christian Science Monitor and the Weekly Standard. What do you think? Review these stories and let us know which is most insightful: http://bit.ly/2HHeH4

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4.2

by Kaizar Campwala - Aug. 18, 2009

Unlike Iraq, Afghanistan may be a war of necessity rather than choice, but to date it is a campaign constructed on little more than hope, caricature, and hubris. Since its ... More »

Obama Defends Afghanistan War; Campaigning Wraps up with Karzai calling on Warlords - See Review »

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4.2

by Derek Hawkins - Aug. 18, 2009

Among the West’s political elite, there are many savvy spinmeisters, but fewer diplomatic dealmakers, the sort who can broker deals with the Taliban, unspeakable ... More »

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4.6

by Emma Asomba - Aug. 19, 2009

Wow! It was about time to turn the analyses in reverse mode. This is a burning article that disbands the current utopia for state building and postwar reconstruction in fragile states. This phenomenon has been mopping the floor for too long.

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4.1

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3.7

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3.3

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World | U.S. | Afghanistan | Foreign Policy

Obama Defends Afghanistan War; Campaigning Wraps up with Karzai calling on Warlords

Informed Comment by Juan Cole | Aug. 18, 2009 (Opinion)

President Barack Obama on Monday. Ironically, as Obama spoke. Others have pointed out that Bush?s handlers would never have allowed any such thing. Hell, they ...

Posted by Kaizar Campwala

3.9

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Déjà Vu All Over Again in Afghanistan?

Weekly Standard by Frederick W. Kagan, Kimberly Kagan | Aug. 18, 2009 (Opinion)

Why is the Pentagon spokesman talking down an assessment by that commander that is underway and incomplete but clearly marks a critical inflection point in the war? Why does ...

Posted by Derek Hawkins

2.9

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