We're losing Afghanistan

Posted 16 weeks 21 hours ago by Joel

In recent weeks, the Taliban have threatened to burn down cellular towers throughout Afghanistan unless the main wireless companies shut down service between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. each night. Why? Taliban commanders are convinced that coalition forces are using the cell networks to track their fighters.

And now they've made good on their threat. In a country that is nearly wholly reliant on wireless communications (for lack of any land-line infrastructure), the main mobile networks (all privately run) have begun switching off service at night after attacks on 10 cell towers, the latest on Tuesday night. Score this round for the Taliban.

Just to repeat: If the Taliban can force communications companies to do their bidding in such a public way, we're not the ones who are winning.

Remember: We're fighting wars in two Middle Eastern countries.

One was home to camps used to train the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11. The other wasn't. Despite that, we're stuck with this:

"In Afghanistan, we do what we can," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "In Iraq, we do what we must."

Luckily, the president is in full Lawrence of Arabia mode.

"I must say, I'm a little envious," Bush said. "If I were slightly younger and not employed here, I think it would be a fantastic experience to be on the front lines of helping this young democracy succeed."

"It must be exciting for you ... in some ways romantic, in some ways, you know, confronting danger. You're really making history, and thanks," Bush said.