Jul 08
16
In the chaotic and ungovernable hinterlands of Afghanistan, the only rule that seems to apply is the law of unintended consequences.
The failure of the United States to finish off the Taliban and al-Qaida there has left a festering conflict that in recent months has become deadlier for American soldiers than the war in Iraq. The deaths of nine members of the military and the wounding of at least 15 in an attack by insurgents Sunday in Kunar province was the largest U.S. casualty total in three years.
Suicide bombings, once a primary trademark of insurgents in Iraq, are now a daily occurrence in Afghanistan, as well. The latest occurred at a bazaar in the southern city of Deh Rawood, killing 25 people, including the town's police chief.
As the former Soviet Union found when it invaded to prop up a puppet government in Kabul, it is easier to occupy the Afghan capital than to pacify the country. Mauled by the U.S.-backed Mujahedeen, the Soviets eventually were forced to pull out in disarray. The humiliating defeat hastened the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Unintended as well was the evolution of the anti-Soviet fighters armed by the United States into the backbone of the religious extremist Taliban regime and the core leadership of Osama bin Ladin's al-Qaida. After being driven out of power by the U.S. invasion, the Taliban leaders and their al-Qaida allies escaped into the remote border provinces of Pakistan.
The decision by the Bush administration to invade Iraq in 2003 diverted American forces and resources to a new war, and allowed the Taliban and al-Qaida breathing space in which to reorganize and make a comeback in Afghanistan. It also allowed them to assert control over large areas of their unwilling host country, risking the destabilization of Pakistan.
Now that the level of fighting has at least temporarily lessened in Iraq, U.S. officials are reportedly considering withdrawing thousands of combat troops. Unfortunately, many won't be coming home but, rather, will be sent to Afghanistan, where they will face increasing attack.
After nearly seven years and the loss of more than 4,000 of our soldiers in Iraq, the grim reality is that the terrorists who present a clear danger to the United States and their supporters are not only still at large, but getting bolder. Rather than an open-ended stay in Iraq or a new military diversion in Iran, America's top priority must be the unfinished business in Afghanistan.
Tags: Afghanistan, al-Qaida, Iraq, Kunar, Soldiers, Suicide bombings, Taliban, unfinished business in Afghanistan
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