An excellent article from an expert, based on long term analysis rather than "shoot from the hip" political bites. Puzzling that no one else has commented.

For Australia it appears that long term effectiveness of its activities in Afghanistaan is not the point. As in Vietnam once Australia and the US leave, Afghanistan will revert to the local power base that is hostile to Western interests.

Australia being seen by the US to be supporting a US military venture is the point ie. alliance politics rule are uppermost.

Pete

I think you are looking at it through the wrong coloured glasses dear author.

Afghanistan for more centuries than we can count has been temporarily occupied by this invader, that invader. All wanting control of the doorway to the East and West.

Afghanis don't "depend" on this aid or support. They have no choice as they are overwhelmed militarily. They are still essentially nomadic and rely on no one outside the small cities.

So they wait it out, as they have always done, and make do with what is available during invasions and between.

I was lucky enough to visit during a peacable time and they relied then on the backpacker trade, drugs and market stalls. Selling fresh dystentry too. A must for every visitor.

Any country who sees Afghanistan as soft or dependant is ignorant of history. Clinton and Bush think they can invade, impose a government and leave. Wrong. Before them, the Russians too tried. It'll disappear with the wind as it always has once invaders leave. They are just very patient. Win few battles but lose no wars. It's their way. The war lord way.

Afghanistan was invaded for two purposes.To get the 1500 km oil pipeline to acess the reserves of North Afghanistan,Turkmenistan,Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.The other reason was to get the drugs flowing out of Afghanistan again ,so more money can be made.

I think that Bin Laden is long dead.That was a mistake.Study well building 7 of the World Trade Centre.It was brought down by controlled explosives.The offical enquiry did not include Building 7,the most contraversial collapse of any building in recent history.