Leaving Afghanistan

One of the prerequisites for our leaving is a functioning police force, but, based on this article in Der Spiegel, such a force is unlikely anytime soon despite our having poured in over $6 billion in training funds and the Germans having spent eight years training and the Italians having made a significant contribution.

The basic problem is getting good recruits. 90% of those being trained are illiterate, which, by itself, creates problems. But many of them have a hard time concentrating for more than a half-hour; some even have trouble walking a straight line. So, modern equipment sits on the shelf. And, we must remember that Afghanistan is not a Western country. It is a very different world; family and regional ties are stronger than any training or lectures we give these recruits.

When will we face reality?