Or is the U.S. really getting bogged down in Afghanistan? We’ve heard the explanation before: “We just have to win their hearts and minds.” But obviously it is not that simple. Warlordism, Pashtun custom, and religion seem to form the crucible that creates an elusive and resilient foe in the south and east. How can we expect young men, who live day-to-day at the instinct level, to not exhibit instinctual behaviors? Chauvinism, territorialism, and pride cloaked in the notion of honor, provide the foundation for an especially potent warrior cocktail. Firearms, explosives, and the aforementioned provide the finishing touches. Hearts and minds are alien concepts where crushing destitution rules. We can’t win hearts and minds where people are truly struggling daily to obtain basic subsistence.
Is it Just Me?
June 19, 2010
JackalTalk -- JackalWorks Blog 
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