I am reading the news that the tide is turning on public opinion about Afghanistan. I do not blame the public. Really I do not. I do blame the press who does not tell the whole story, only the negative parts. Though it has been a long drawn out ordeal. The death toll is climbing by the day. So really, even without the negativity in the media, I cannot blame the American public.
Here is what I can tell you from the ground in Afghanistan. Troops are not the answer. Do not get me wrong. Those that know me, know I support out troops 100 percent. I did my 14+ years in the service so I know what it is all about. Don't stop supporting out troops that fight here and die here or any where else in the world. Support those that are here with every inch of your being. However, once again troops on not the answer.
Let me explain. The average, per capita, monthly income of an Afghan that is lucky enough to have a job is less than the average teenager working at McDonald's makes in less than two weeks. Yes, less than a part timer earning minimum wage makes in just over a week. Even in a country such as this that does not put food on the table. The Taliban, therefore, are very attractive. They guarantee you will be well fed, that your family will be well fed, that you all have a roof over your head, and that in the likely event of your death your family will continue to be cared for. Crazy as it seems for some it is an attractive offer.
Almost 100 percent of things bought and sold in Afghanistan are imported. There is no sustainable infrastructure here. There is no industry to speak of. It is not that the resources to create industry is not here. It is. However, much of the industry was knocked out by the Russians and by the civil war that followed. There are no resources to help rebuild that industry. Schools, as well, are in shambles. Many without proper educational facilities and even books and supplies. That is what needs to be invested in rather than bringing more troops.
I am told it takes about three hundred and twenty thousand dollars per year to support one deployed soldier. That is per individual soldier. 2 squads of soldiers over 3 million. A platoon over 12 million, a company, over 24 million, and a brigade....well the numbers are out there. Billions and billions of dollars it takes to support the war efforts here. Hearts and minds were never won with guns and carnage let me tell you. But build them roads, schools, infrastructure, and industry and that will win them over.
I just watched Charlie Wilson's War AGAIN the other night. The scene near the very end really showed it well. Wilson was able to talk them into giving him millions and millions to help the Mujaheddin oust the Russians. Then after it was done he went back for a million or so to build schools and the scoffed at him. To quote the line that was at the very end of the movie, These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we f***ed up the endgame. We let the country go to hell.
As we have seen even in the U.S., when things go bad folks turn to religion and even extremism. Such is Afghanistan. They tell me of, and I have seen pictures of, the days when Kabul was glorious. An absolutely beautiful city and a center of culture and education. It was still an Islamic country then but one that was a progressive one. Then the Russians came, then the civil war and it all went to pot. Simply because we messed up the endgame. Support the troops here but also support the non military efforts. They are what will win this war. I am telling you first hand as the man on the ground.
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