Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for April 17, 2009

Actually GEE1A, there is a simple way to handle Afghanistan: don’t try to rule it, even by proxy–as many who tried have learned to their sorrow.

The only people who can successfully rule places like Afghanistan and Pakistan, as matters stand now, are those with no conscience, no concerns about human rights and/or dignity, and a need for power so overwhelming that they are willing to kill or enslave the entire populace in order to satisfy it. People like the Taliban, or the Revolutionary Guard, or a resurgent Ba’athist party. Are you saying we should get the heck out, and leave those people (I admit to using the term loosely) an opening?

Bad back, fried hair, three kids and – as Benj. Franklin said of older women paid attention to by younger men – grateful.

Jeff, that was suave. You’ll be a good “company” man for sure.

Roger, but not THAT one…: I agree with your analysis of the situation. I’ve been listening to commentators on the radio (Canadian), and they pretty much say the same thing.

Roger but not that one stated “The only people who can successfully rule places like Afghanistan and Pakistan, as matters stand now, are those with no conscience, no concerns about human rights and/or dignity, and a need for power so overwhelming that they are willing to kill or enslave the entire populace in order to satisfy it.”

The “as matters stand now” part can be safely deleted, especially in the case of Pakistan–as evidenced by its history!

prasrinivara says: Actually GEE1A, there is a simple way to handle Afghanistan: don’t try to rule it, even by proxy–as many who tried have learned to their sorrow. — The problem is even when America thinks all we’re trying to do is help it always gets interpreted as empire building or ruling by proxy. No matter what the intentions.