Well sure great - then tell me what "facts" you base your conclusions on then? I listed the headlines form a google search to support my conclusions
I couldn't quickly find your post when you did. But to the extent I remember specific facts about Afghanistan from you in this discussion, they are consistent with my conclusion.
Granted "consistent with" isn't "evidence for". But most facts that could be presented are consistent with arguments either way. That's why I say its not about the specific facts.
Also remember I have said that things have been worse in recent months, than before, so I'm not making a case exactly opposite to yours.
But despite all that I'm sure you still want facts anyway. The facts that support my contention include (but by no means are limited to, this is just off the top of my head, without a great deal of thought, or any research)
1 - The economy of Afghanistan is experiencing strong growth (and in case you want to say "yeah, they are selling a lot more drugs", I'd add that the non-drug economy of Afghanistan is experiencing strong growth.
2 - Infrastructure in improving in Kabul, and to an extent in other areas.
3 - Any military gains by the enemy tend to get reversed in short order.
4 - At this time the majority of the population, supports our presence in the country.
5 - Pakistan is finally moving again against the Taliban on its side of the border. This last issue is unfortunately not something we can count on continuing as much as we can the first three points. If it was it would be a serious positive factor, but unfortunately we've been down this road before without the effort being sustained, and history might repeat itself, so it amounts to, at least for now, only a minor positive factor.
6 - At this time (unlike in Iraq), the majority of Americans support our continued presence in the country. |
