While the author makes some valid points I think there is more to the story than has been outlined.

A major consideration is that the US has no faith in the Karzai government, which is widely regarded as corrupt and in the habit of rigging elections. Its main other "ally" on the ground, namely Pakistan, has been found to be double-dealing, while Afghanistan itself is highly tribal with very weak national structures.

I would compare Afghanistan with Somalia. Both are virtually ungovernable. The difference, as far as the US is concerned, is that it wisely exited Somalia at an early juncture but felt compelled to stay in Afghanistan for reasons related to 9/11.

Dear Riaz,

My generation of analysts were taught that each topic should be viewed as a pyramid. At the top is the big picture, each subsequent layer introduces more issues and more content, so the further down you go the greater the number of both issues and content one faces.

By following and adhering to pertinent threads it is possible to interrogate vast amounts of strategically relevant information and reach logical conclusions. When starting in the middle of the pyramid however, it is almost impossible to branch out to a meaningful conclusion.

Whilst I agree with much of your article you appear to have leapt to conclusion without leaving the reader an audit trail to follow. You have drawn on some selective issues and content immediately adjacent to your entry point and then dragged them with you to your conclusion.

The big issues in the middle east relate to a dramatic change in the strategic geo-politics. The USA and the coalition of the willing have now disengaged, so it matters not what the neo-Taliban groups do, it’s now their problem.

Intended or not, the middle east interventions delayed radicalized consolidation in the region until the West had achieved energy security, now the Levanter’s can get lost.

The other major issue not specifically related the individual radical groups, it is more the parasitic allegiances they are developing with middle eastern States.

Therefore I think any focus on individual radical groups gets buried in the bigger picture.

Its great to get an article from a Pakistani(?)-Australian socialogist who for some reason doesn't mention Afghanistan's most influential neighbor and the Taliban's major supporter - Pakistan.

Karzai, the Thomas Jefferson of Afghani democracy, is above reproach.

Any insinuations of:

- Karzai's constant backroom deals with the Taliban,

- along with Karzai and his fellow Warlord's salting away in Swiss bank accounts 50% of aid money to Afghanistan

- that has thwarted ISAF's efforts at every turn

are completely accurate.

Bren 911 had nothing to do with 911.It was all about oil/gas pipe lines from Turkmenistan, the opium, a $ trillion of Lithium and strategic position to China.

Like Vietnam , Afghanistan is all about making money from selling weapons and stealing other peoples resources.911 was a lie. http://www.ae911truth.org/

< While the author makes some valid points I think there is more to the story than has been outlined. >

Sure. Al Qaeda now controls more territory in the Arab world than ever before.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-01-09/al-qaeda-now-controls-more-territory-arab-world-ever

Mission Accomplished I'd say, Arjay! The MIC have made a motza from this and now the whole world is chasing ghosts, which the USSA created out of thin air! A state created enemy that can never be killed. It's even better than the cold war, because they never got to let lose on all those nukes. Now they get to replace mortars, drones, brass, Humvies on a daily bases. The MIC has found the ultimate cash cow!

How many more nations is the world going to allow the U.S. to destroy, plunder, and leave in shambles?

Is Iran next on its list despite a show of trying to get some kind of a peace deal or has it moved its focus to China? Whatever, its bunch of psychotic, fanatical leaders are up to, it won't be good for the world.

But does the world care? Of course not. As the wolf devours the hens, people look the other way, pretend to themselves that the U.S. is a force for good.

George, your book '1984' was wasted on the world. We deserve whatever nightmare the barbaric, psychotic Americans impose upon us.