What are we fighting in Afghanistan for?

You just have to wonder what the hell we are fighting for in Afghanistan. The New York Times this morning has a most distressing story about the extent of the corruption that is leading to a narco state financed and defended by the United States and its allies like Australia. The reality reported by these Times journalists is a long way removed from the rhetoric of western politicians about the need to stamp out the scourge of Muslim terrorism. Depress yourself and read it: Bribes Corrode Afghans' Trust in Government. 
What a pity that President elect Barack Obama and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd both thought it necessary to support this Afghan war in order to get elected. See my recent piece on the electoral logic behind that support.

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