Phyllis Bennis, the author of Endingthe US War in Afghanistan A Primer, made some thought provoking points about
Afghanistan. I saw Bennis make a presentation about ten years ago and
I remember at least one point she made. I consider her a serious
intellectual.
Bennis, and other panelists, noted the
United States can and should end its participation in the war shortly
by removing U.S. military forces. The Obama administration recently
negotiated a deal that has a faux military withdrawal in 2014, but
leaves an occupation force with power to go after anyone it chooses
until 2024.
Bennis said the correct metaphor is not
Colin Powell's Pottery Barn image (which conveniently justifies
perpetual occupation), but the metaphor of a bull in a china shop.
Get the bull (the U.S. military) out of the china shop (Afghanistan)
and then pay for the damage caused.
