Sparring Opinions: Afghanistan Strategy

Thursday will mark the second-ever presidential election in Afghanistan, raising questions over how to stabilize the country and foster a more effective government. In this week's Sparring Opinions, we're comparing two op-eds on this issue.

Greg Mills, a former NATO commander in Afghanistan, writes in the Christian Science Monitor that Western governments need to develop a more "holistic" approach -- one that combines diplomacy, funding for local projects and economic development -- to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a failed state. "Instead of responding with a redoubled effort, how about a healthy dose of humility, a recognition that success will depend on internal Afghan actions rather than external Western ones?"

Frederick W. Kagan and Kimberly Kagan contend in the Weekly Standard that President Obama must send more U.S. troops and military resources to Afghanistan if he is to avoid mistakes his predecessor made in Iraq. "Our own assessment ... is that more forces will be needed, and very soon. The administration's body-language (and, in the case of the National Security Advisor's comments last month, explicit statements) suggest that any such request will be received skeptically if not with hostility."

Which of these Sparring Opinions do you think makes the better case? Weigh in by adding your reviews for these two stories:

• What the West needs in Afghanistan: humility - Christian Science Monitor

• Déjà vu all over again - The Weekly Standard

For more news and opinion on this important topic, join our Afghanistan News Hunt -- and help find the best journalism on this troubled country.

-- Derek Hawkins

Comments

[Medost Nepal]

U.S is always looking at Afganistan and this election with most important view. I had heard that women also are going to fight in the election and if its true then this is very good point.
Medost Nepal

[kv1009]

Hai!

The informations contains in this post are really nice. Thanks!

Kavi
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FTP
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