[mark46th]

Once again, we are trying to apply our cultural mores to another society. The good general will have to deal with problems that are considered serious in the U.S. but a way of life in Afghanistan.

1. Corruption. What we call corruption is the way the Afghan society does business. Bribes are a cost of doing business like we buy insurance in the U.S.

2. National Identity. Actually, a lack thereof is the problem. There is no sense of National Identity in the country. Loyalties are gauged on family, clan and tribal considerations.

3. Rules of Engagement/Collateral Damage/ Civilian Casualties. It is tough to fight a war when the enemy hides in religious buildings that are off limits to attack and in civilian homes. Fighting an enemy that has no qualms about killing women and children is problematic.

This is my wish list of what needs to be done...

- For the U.S. to suceed, U.S./International forces should replace the warlords.

-Secular schools should replace medrassah's with boys and girls having mandatory attendance.

- Imam's should be "encouraged" to not be involved in government at any level. I'm not being naive about Islam's view of its role in government, but that's what needs to be done.

These changes are not going to happen on a 2, 5 or 10 year plan. This will take several generations. The question is, can the U.S. fight off accusations of meddling and Imperialism, and have the determination to make it happen...