Frustrated with Trump, McCain promotes his own Afghan plan

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

By RICHARD LARDNER
11 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a rebuke of President Donald Trump, Sen. John McCain declared Thursday that “America is adrift in Afghanistan” as he promoted a war strategy that would expand the U.S. counterterrorism effort and provide greater support to Afghan security forces.

McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the U.S. needs to put strict conditions on continued assistance to Afghanistan, and require the Kabul government to demonstrate “measurable progress” in curbing corruption, strengthening the rule of law, and improving the financial transparency.

“Nearly seven months into President Trump’s administration, we’ve had no strategy at all as conditions on the ground have steadily worsened,” said McCain, a leading voice in Congress on national security matters. “But we must face facts: We are losing in Afghanistan and time is of the essence if we intend to turn the tide.”

McCain, R-Ariz., said he’ll seek a vote on his “strategy for success” in Afghanistan when the Senate returns in September and takes up the annual defense policy bill.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/f8f6834ddb1a4b29ab5854602a568016/Frustrated-with-Trump,-McCain-promotes-his-own-Afghan-plan

[SummerSnow]

1. He'll be sending McCain a nasty tweet soon.

[sandensea]

2. With all due respect to McCain, if it's anything other than full withdrawal,

it's a pointless suggestion.

[syringis]

3. No offend to America

But I highly doubt you can win there.

From Alexander the Great to USSR, through Mongols, Persians, British Empire, all have tried and all failed . Russia and later USSR, the last ones, finally gave up after 2 centuries struggling in Afghanistan. Needless to point their perfect knowledge of the territory. Although them surrendered.

It is one of the trickier country in the world to stabilize. Honestly, I'm not sure the usual democratic western tools can be applied, at least on the long term.

It is due to several factors.

Don't missunderstand me, I don't mean Afghans don't deserve democracy.

thru the History, the country was ruled by a system of great assemblies named Girgah. The highest is Loyah. but there are a lot. It mostly start into the family, then villages, tribes until the highest assembly.

- Kawmi Girgah : family cell
- Goundi Girgah : several Kawmi
- Kili Girgah : sort of municipal council
- Dankala Girgah : several kili
- Khel Girgah : assembly of members of the same klan
- Kabilawi Girgah : assembly of members of different klan
- Loya Girgah : regroup all assemblies

Girgahs have an election system to designate a delegate.

It is an extremely simplified explanation. Just to give a general idea.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. THIS!

(these sorts of attempts have been going on for a long long time)

[syringis]

6. Hello

You mean stabilizing a Afghanistan?

[BumRushDaShow]

7. Yes. "Stablizing" by enforcing/imposing a "western model" ain't happening.

It's not unlike Libya where you have generations of tribes/clans and endless battles over family lands.

[Coventina]

4. I wish I could do computer graphics.

My response would be McCain crocheting an afghan.