Afghanistan's Realities: Why Bother?
Yesterday's New York Times featured a front page story about a guy by the name of Mohmmad Zia Salehi. According to the report, he is Karzai's National Security Advisor. He was arrested on corruption charges and was forced to be released after direct intervention from Karzai.
There is more to the story, though. The man has been linked to New Ansari, the money exchange outfit that has been the subject of a money laundering investigation. What is also even more shameful is how he has been on the CIA's payroll. The Times Story attributed comments by US Officials about the fact that they have to be involved with a whole host of unsavory people because of the long-term interests of the United States. These officials, unfortunately, are missing the point becuase it is precisely such unsavory characters who have insured that the policy being purused is the true road to no where.
Over 140,000 troops are fighting in Afghanistan right now. There is a deadline to start drawing down the troops. US Commanders are already preparing the public for the fact that the July 2011 deadline is not going to happen. This means that America will continue to be committed to fighting an endless war with no apparent end in sight. I have to wonder how America can continue to afford to support such a war as the home front continues to suffer ever more. I also have profound concerns about the sheer challenges of supporting such a massive effort. The floods in Pakistan has caused profound difficulties. The staggering statistics about how many meals being served, how many bottles of Water being served, etc. etc. is among the many daily challenges that is being faced.
There are no real easy answers. What is clear is that some major decisions will have to be made based on the true realities on the ground.
There is more to the story, though. The man has been linked to New Ansari, the money exchange outfit that has been the subject of a money laundering investigation. What is also even more shameful is how he has been on the CIA's payroll. The Times Story attributed comments by US Officials about the fact that they have to be involved with a whole host of unsavory people because of the long-term interests of the United States. These officials, unfortunately, are missing the point becuase it is precisely such unsavory characters who have insured that the policy being purused is the true road to no where.
Over 140,000 troops are fighting in Afghanistan right now. There is a deadline to start drawing down the troops. US Commanders are already preparing the public for the fact that the July 2011 deadline is not going to happen. This means that America will continue to be committed to fighting an endless war with no apparent end in sight. I have to wonder how America can continue to afford to support such a war as the home front continues to suffer ever more. I also have profound concerns about the sheer challenges of supporting such a massive effort. The floods in Pakistan has caused profound difficulties. The staggering statistics about how many meals being served, how many bottles of Water being served, etc. etc. is among the many daily challenges that is being faced.
There are no real easy answers. What is clear is that some major decisions will have to be made based on the true realities on the ground.
Mike Pouraryan
