Reply #18: Good post. This reminds me of my Iraq solution...

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

My take on Iraq from 2004 to 2008 was fairly consistent: At this point we don't know if we are helping or hurting but we have an absolute obligation to prevent another Cambodia.

I proposed disengaging from day-to-day interaction with the populace while retaining enough force on bases to intervene tactically if things go to hell. Even if we aren't doing any fighting we shouldn't simply leave.

I have one same problem with Iraq and Afghanistan which is that our solution is to create a gigantic national security force with the assumption that such a force will do good. A respectable national government probably has to precede a big security force in service of a national government rather than visa-versa.

I have no solution. But eliminating even one option (whatever middle course best comports with our domestic politics) is a step closer to a solution.