Afghanistan

Mujahedin in 1984

Twenty-five years ago!

Islamic Conquest of Afghanistan 637 - 709
First Anglo - Afghan War (1839 - 1842)
Second Anglo - Afghan War (1878 - 1881)
Third Anglo - Afghan War (1919)
Reforms of Amanullah Khan and civil war (1929)
Civil War I - leads to Soviet invasion (1978)
Soviet war in Afghanistan (1979 - 1989)
Civil War II - collapse of governement (1989 - 1992)
Civil War III - Anarchy (1992 - 1996)
Civil War IV - Taliban period (1996 - 2001)
War in Afghanistan - ISAF/NATO involvement
From Wikipedia

This article by Scott Shane in the New York Times 10/22/2009 describes the complexity of our efforts in Afghanistan. 

I don't think we can solve the problem.
I'm not sure we should try.
Yes, its painful (and frightening) to watch people live in an unsettled and unsafe area knowing their lack of security affects my lack of security.
The bottom line is history has shown that weapons and war are not the answer.
Ever.
Change comes from within each of us individually, which leads to change in how a country operates.
The Afghani people will effect change in their own country based on their experiences, their influences, and the people they come in contact with.  (In fact, weren't they making some headway against the Taliban prior to 9/11?  I vaguely recall news reports about women's rights, for instance.)

I think the United States should begin to realize that our military might is not what wins the hearts and minds of the world; its our integrity. 
Our military should leave Afghanistan and Iraq.

America will win more converts to its ideal of a civilization based on the rule of laws, civil liberties and human rights if we interact with each other and the world community with truth and respect - not guns and ammo.

Be not afraid.