No one is proposing we go into Afghanistan and build a democracy or bring freedom or find weapons of mass destruction or whatever the hell Bush is saying this week.

The idea is to refocus in Afghanistan, get bin Laden and crush Al queda’s base of operations. This is far more attainable then building a nation or creating a democracy.

But don’t worry. Barry will fix it, without “fanning the flames of extremism” the way Bush does, simply because the Muslim world will like him better.

Even though we didn’t say so, we thought that Iraq was a far better place to try to establish a “starter home” islamic democracy as a model for the middle east.

To the extent that both Obama and McCain seem eager to increase American involvement in Afghanistan, I think they’re both insane. I’ve just been reading about the basics of Afghanistan in “The Sling and the Stone,” a book about fourth generation warfare (like Al Quaeda) and counterinsurgency tactics.

Here’s the thing. Compared to Afghanistan, Iraq is a walk in the park.

Iraq has 3 main subgroups (Shia, Sunni, Kurd). Afghanistan operates at a far more tribal level. In fact, the largest subgroup in Afghanistan actually counts more of its members as residents of Pakistan. Tell me THAT is not a problem. Several other subgroups also feel arguably more kinship with other nations(Tajikstan, Iran) than they do with the concept of Afghanistan.

Iraq had a functioning economy and something resembling a middle class before we invaded/liberated. Afghanistan has almost no economy other than opium poppies, and they have never had an especially strong central government capable of providing anything like a stable and consistent rule of law. How likely is it that the various somewhat independent tribes (at best, loosely confederated) feel the thirst of nationalism? I’m HIGHLY skeptical.

Let’s face it. Internationally speaking, Afghanistan has been stuck as a playing field for various international skirmishes for what, 3 decades? Its entire history?

We ought to be circumspect about both our intentions in and hopes for “Afghanistan.” How eager and invested should America be in the idea of a establishing a stable, democratic, unified place called Afghanistan? Surely no more eager than the poor bastards stuck living there.

Justin, I realize that because the election is nigh, your post concerns who is “winning the argument” about Afghanistan. So it’s worth noting that Americans of all political stripes would do well to understand the basics in making their judgments about this.