Phillip O'Neill, National Interest: America's Exit Strategy for Afghanistan is Flawed
It is time for America to end a militarized process that had its inception with the reaction to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan decades ago.
As the United States enters its seventeenth annual fighting season in Afghanistan, the endgame seems no closer. America continues to try to club the Taliban into talking; they endeavor to expel us. America ratchets up financial coercion against Pakistan seeking fuller cooperation; Pakistan hedges its bets in facing existential threats. Since continuing violence in Afghanistan is inextricably intertwined with Pakistan, a “package deal” is necessary to close America’s military campaign in South Asia. Yet, agreement has proven elusive through multiple administrations, with recycled proposals failing.
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WNU Editor: Another ominous sign on the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan .... Costly Helicopter Rides for US Officials Show Afghanistan's Security Decline (Bloomberg).
