Let me first say that when I was in, I did not have the priviledge to "go downrange" to "the sandbox". However, that doesn't mean, even though I am no longer in, that I don't have a vested interest in what is occuring there, or that I am no longer interested. If anything, I am still more connected then most in my country (seeing how only a small segment of the population actually has a direct connection to someone who serves, or is serving overseas), with family still wearing the uniform. With that said I thought I would bring up to everyone's attention to related articles regarding present US activities in Afghanistan.
The first is regarding General Perteaus' recent comments regarding
the long term solution to the present situation in Afghanistan.
The second is about
an individual who lost their life, in many ways, looking for the solution that General Perteaus was talking about (link fixed).
This is only a continuation of the Great Game, in an area that has defied outside definition, and force for hundreds of years.
Read. Comment. Discuss.
I hope that I can start this, as I haven't seen any threads in a while, that discuss the present situation in Afghanistan without it devolving into the usual 2 side of a coin yelling that many threads here in General become. Rather, all opinions are welcome, for in the end, any solution will most effect those who attempt to bring it about and the people in that land half a world away from where I post thus,