Afghan President Hamid Karzai and General Petraues (Photo from World Military Forum)From CNN:
(CNN) -- Defeating extremists and stabilizing Afghanistan and Pakistan will require a "sustained, substantial commitment," Gen. David Petraeus, the chief of U.S. Central Command, said Friday.
Afghanistan and Pakistan contain "the most pressing transnational extremist threat in the world," he told a House appropriations subcommittee, while expressing confidence that President Obama's strategy constitutes the type of commitment that is needed.
Obama last month announced a new plan for the region, calling for more U.S. troops, greater economic assistance, improved Afghan troop training and added civilian expertise.
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My Comment: It is far early to say. Both are miserable wars that will probably percolate violence for the next few decades. But considering the history of Afghanistan .... I can see his point of view. How can you attain your strategic objectives in a country that has no infrastructure. No government. No legal system (with the exception of sharia law). No economic base (with the exception of opium production). But a history of cultural intolerance and a dislike for foreigners. And oh yeah .... your political masters back in Washington do not give you the resources to accomplish your mission.
Yup .... Afghanistan is going to be a tough nut to crack.