Obama: "I'm ready to negotiate with you, Iran." Iran: "Fuck you."

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Redux

History suggests that Afghanistan is a near impossible place for outside invaders/occupiers to "win."

I think you could safely remove the word "near" from that statement.
That's why I think we have to empower the locals to win out over the Taliban.

But I do like the Obama approach of a "civilian surge" to "boost its political and economic development" in addition to more troops.

I agree the "civilian surge" is necessary, but it won't do squat if the locals are not safe in their villages.