Thursday, October 15, 2009

Another Predictable Recommendation on Afghanistan

Robert Pape has an op-ed in today's NY Times, arguing that occupation causes terrorism and that has been the increased presence of foreigners that have led to the escalation of violence. His recommendation is a small footprint and an over the horizon/offshore effort.

Two problems with this argument: the basis of the argument--Pape's statistical work--has been, well, shredded; and he asserts that we could work through the locals--renting them. But why would the locals trust us if we leave?

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