The U.S. is not the first country to wade into Afghanistan's business and try to change its government and culture, as I noted in another blog. The "hook" for the U.S. seems to be the idea that the Taliban and Al Qaeda work hand-in hand to impart terror on the region and the world. Supporters of the Afghan effort say that alone requires a U.S. presence. But the Soviets learned after 10 bloody years (with the U.S. supporting the Afghans fighting them) that it's a losing proposition. History seems to show the same will play out for the U.S. Thanks for the post. Mac