Afghanistan options are running out.

[elleng]

'Writing in Politico, one of the authors, Steve Clemons, says

US armed forces have fought bravely and well. Their dedication is unquestioned. But we should not ask them to make sacrifices unnecessary to our core national interests – particularly when doing so threatens long-term needs and priorities both at home and abroad.

It sounds a lot like the strategy set out over a year ago by Vice-President Joe Biden, but eventually overruled by the president. It may yet re-emerge as a fall-back position if the surge fails, but it leaves open a lot of questions, like what to do if a retreat triggers all-out civil war? And why should the Taliban sit down to talk if they know the Americans are going to withdraw anyway?

Nato may yet turn to the UN to help it square the circle and escape Afghanistan. The idea of a newly empowered UN envoy, such as the veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, is gaining ground. He could be a mutually acceptable front man for talks and bring in the regional players, without whom there can be no enduring settlement. But until such hard new decisions are made, there is precious little real work for diplomats like Sherard Cowper-Coles.'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/julian-borger-global-security-blog/2010/sep/08/afghanistan-policy-uk