Michael Yon on Afghanistan
 

Afghanistan Today .......LOPEZ: In his press conference there, George Bush made reference to the potential for a flourishing democracy in Afghanistan. Is that remotely possible?

YON: Well . . . I’ve found President Bush’s recent comments on Iraq to be accurate. But I remain uneasy about Afghanistan, and my visit did not make me feel any better about the place, though it’s clear that our soldiers think they are making progress. I think this issue is one of framing: I see Afghanistan as a century-long effort, because Pakistan and the region as a whole need to be brought forward.

On the military side, we’ve got the right general in charge — General Petraeus. I heard him speak last week in Manama and had a chance to ask a couple of questions, and he demonstrated a nuanced understanding of our problems there. His team is working on solutions. In the short term, I think the fighting will greatly increase during 2009, at a minimum.

One thing is certain: NATO is proving largely worthless.........

...as it seems to almost every time it is deployed....

Read Michael Yon's dispatches about British forces in Iraq, to be found on ARRSE. Excellent view of UK Forces actions in that bedevilled country.

Has anyone enquired as to whether or not the Afghans want democracy? I am sure that they want water and power, food, education, health care. They almost certainly want safety from the Taleban, and no more mistakes from the coalition trying to help the nation as a whole.

I remain to be convinced that they aren't happy with their tribal culture.

Of course we could try and force democracy on them...assuming as ever that everyone must want to be like us, surely...

A journalist interviewing a journalist. It sounds like a game for all the family, with all those genetic implications!

Oh I dunno. Quite a few members seems to be pulling their weight for NATO more than the GWOT. Just a shame its not everyone. :ugh: