READER COMMENTS: "An uncertain future: Afghan local police development in Kandahar"

Posted by blert at December 14, 2012 9:18 AM ET:

Our MSM can't seem to get a grip on basic economic realities that drive Afghans.

1) The 'national' government has effectively no power of taxation, or any other means of gaining revenue (oil exports) that a Westerner would not consider flamingly corrupt.

2) What revenue the officials do receive is a split for looking the other way/ providing protection/ or some other gambit that would be recognized by the Capone mob of the gangland era.

3) Their society, as a whole, is still rooted in Neolithic norms. That means subsistence agriculture and animal husbandry. It also means that family feuds last forever and ever.

4) Until enough infrastructure is in place, Afghanistan can't boot-strap past the chicken or egg dilemma. We must hope that Indian and Chinese efforts kick-start oil production and mineral exports.

Based upon reports, the oil is beginning to flow...

And, Afghanistan has astounding hard rock mineral deposits: copper, silver, gold... you name it.

Until that time, the West should consider just keeping the Afghans on the payroll. If it's not us -- it'll be the ISI.