Victory Possible in Afghanistan

Anne Applebaum, Slate | September 17, 2008

Military victory in Afghanistan is achievable, but are we “willing to pay the high cost?” ++ Chura Valley in Uruzgan province is secure thanks to a Dutch reconstruction team, while in a nearby valley snipers reign. ++ This is a microcosm of Afghanistan. ++ ISAF is facing a new, resilient Taliban, drawn from diverse sources. ++ A military surge is needed to quell restive regions, because “where there are no foreign troops, there is often anarchy.” ++ But more is required; a civilian and political surge are critical for success.