Monday, August 8, 2011

RORY STEWART ON AFGHANISTAN

We invaded Afghanistan ten years ago.  We’re still there. Why?

Why do we pump in $130 billion per year into a government that has a $1 billion budget?
What are we doing wrong?
Why do we mismatch our priorities with our resources?
Why are we so perpetually optimistic?
What should we be doing?

There is no one better to answer these questions than Rory Stewart. I first wrote about Stewart in January 2010. A remarkable person with an equally remarkable background (British military, foreign service, best-selling author, deputy governor in Iraq, manager of a Kabul foundation, Harvard professor – and all in his 20s and 30s), Stewart was elected to Parliament in the Tory victory last year.

Having walked through, lived and worked in, and written extensively about
Afghanistan, he recently spoke at a TED Conference. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better assessment of the Afghanistan situation. And it’ll make you (even more) depressed at the folly of the political and military leadership that has persevered against all reason in its ill-reasoned Afghanistan policy. He's the talk, brilliantly conceived and beautifully delivered:


In one biting excerpt from his talk, Stewart devastatingly notes that every general and many politicians have come in saying, “I’ve inherited a dismal situation but finally I have the right resources and strategy that will deliver.”

Gen. Barno, 2004:  “Without question, this is a decisive year in Afghanistan.”

Gen.  Abuzaid, 2005:  “I think this can be a decisive year.”

Gen. Richards, 2006: “This will be the crunch year for the Taliban.”

Espen Eide (Dep. Foreign Minister), 2007: “This is a decisive year for the future of Afghanistan.”

Maj. Gen. Champoux, 2008  “I think next year will be the decisive year.”

Gen. McChrystal “We are knee-deep in the decisive year.”

David Milibrand (UK Foreign Minister), 2010: This will be a decisive year.”

Guido Westerwelle (German Minister for Foreign Affairs) “2011 will be a decisive year.”

90 comments:

  1. Ben, Thanks for posting this eloquent example of the rarity of common sense. Your blogs are pretty eloquent, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. One of the highlights was the sequence: if you're concerned about terrorism, think about Pakistan; if you're concerned about regional stability, think about Egypt; ... Afghanistan is just 1 of 40 countries ...

    I only wish Mr. Stewart was as clear about how to untangle ourselves from the mess as he is about why it is such a mess.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Ben! I am a huge fan of your work!! I have been doing a lot of reading about your work in the carpool world and would really appreciate the opportunity to ask you a couple questions if possible. What is the best way to get in touch with you?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ben, Rory was in this group discussion on BBC Radio podcast this week
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/stw

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ben, I still enjoy your clear thinking and insights. Thank you for posting Rory Stewart's talk.

    ReplyDelete
  6. i enjoyed read ur post its giving light for mee thanks
    rental mobil jakarta

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know.
    mahjong |geometry dash|agario |pacman | my little pony games | sniper games

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know.
    geometry dash| sniper games |happy wheels | happy wheels 2 |agario| my little pony games mickey mouse games

    ReplyDelete
  9. I just discovered your blog and desired to state that I've actually loved reading your blog posts. In whatever way I'll be checking to your supply and I expect you post again soon.

    Mark@ psd to html developer

    ReplyDelete
  10. A good blog. Thanks for sharing the information. It is very useful for my future. keep sharing
    Temple Run 2
    Temple Run
    baixar Temple Run 2
    jogos Temple Run 2

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great! It's an amazing post. Thank you. It sounds like you are gathering lots of different ideas in your blog. Good work. Instead of thinking about what you haven’t written, look at how much you HAVE written :-)

    Agence en référencement web
    Emplois
    Médias sociaux
    Guide gay
    Gay Pride

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for your sharing. Your article is very useful, it gives me more understanding. Please allow me to share a few:
    baixar whatsapp gratis - Baixar Score Hero - Baixar Photo Grid

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would like more information about this, because it is very nice. Thanks for sharing. Game return man play the football game for free. The game return man 3 you like it? I like play game as Stick RPG 2 and Potty Racers 3

    ReplyDelete
  14. The borrowers neglect to understand the expansion in liabilities when they are hypnotized by the sweet expressions of the loan specialists.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Make beyond any doubt the loan specialist if authorized. This may appear glaringly evident yet there are a lot of organizations out there loaning without a permit.

    ReplyDelete


  16. شركة الاميرة كلير من افضل الشركات على مستوى مكة فهي لديها عمالة ماهرة فى تنفيذ الخدمات المنزلية وتستخدم افضل انواع الادوات والادوات للحصول على افضل النتائج
    شركة مكافحة حشرات بمكة
    شركة رش مبيدات بمكة
    شركة تنظيف خزانات بمكة
    شركة تنظيف بالبخار بمكة

    ReplyDelete
  17. Since these banks work with what are typically "more dangerous" candidates, the result is the concentration for the application.
    Cash Advance San-diego
    Payday Loans
    Car Title Loans

    ReplyDelete
  18. شرکت پي سي تيک ارائه دهنده خدمات نوين
    پشتیبانی شبکه|خدمات شبکه
    مجازي سازي
    خدمات کامپيوتري
    تضمين برقراري 24 ساعته شبکه

    ReplyDelete
  19. the posts that you share look interesting.
    for the future it can provide useful posts for us and Togel Online

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sejak saat itu setiap kali para bangsawan melakukan pesta atau pun acara kumpul – kumpul antar bangsawan permain judi Poker
    hobiqq
    dewaqq
    sumoqq
    interqq

    ReplyDelete

  21. Check out intricate Buddhist Jewelry like Buddha Pendants, Necklaces, Mala Beads, Bracelets & more at ExoticIndia – the online store for Indian Jewelery.

    An exhaustive collection of Hindu Statues and Sculptures ranging from Shiva Lingas to Nataraja, Lord Ganesha to Lord Krishna and more at ExoticIndia

    ReplyDelete
  22. I’d have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Gitlab.kitware.com
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  24. Many thanks for the exciting blog posting! Simply put your blog post to my favorite blog list and will look forward for additional updates. Simply wanted to write down a word in order to say thanks to you for those wonderful tips.
    Custom Tote Bags Printing Online

    ReplyDelete
  25. I’d have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

    Forums.prosportsdaily.com
    Information
    Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  27. I was very pleased to find this web-site. I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

    Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

    Minds.com
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  28. I was very pleased to find this web-site. I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  29. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  30. I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.

    Plugins.w-academy.dk
    Information
    Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

    Visit Web
    Themehunt.com
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  32. Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more consideration. I’ll probably be again to read much more, thanks for that info.

    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete

  33. Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thank you However I am experiencing issue with ur rss. Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx


    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

    Visit Web
    Skupnost.sio.si
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  35. There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article, thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well


    Skillshare.com
    Studiopress.community

    ReplyDelete
  36. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  37. There are certainly a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to bring up. I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where the most important thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Both boys and girls feel the impact of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

    Pbase.com
    Gab.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.

    Fliphtml5.com
    Digitalocean.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.

    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  40. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

    Allmyfaves.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  41. There are certainly a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to bring up. I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where the most important thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Both boys and girls feel the impact of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

    Zomato.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  42. There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.

    Visit Web
    Bigpicture.net
    Information

    ReplyDelete
  43. This is the right blog for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  44. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

    Avenza.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  45. You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for the issue and found most individuals will go along with with your website.

    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  46. There are certainly a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a great point to bring up. I offer the thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you bring up where the most important thing will be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around things like that, but I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Both boys and girls feel the impact of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

    Click Here
    Visit Web
    Magcloud.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. cool, please guidance so that I can create a blog like yours

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

    Click Here
    Visit Web
    Forexfactory.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more consideration. I’ll probably be again to read much more, thanks for that info.

    Longisland.com
    Information
    Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  50. thank you for the information provided, we are waiting for the next info

    ReplyDelete
  51. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

    Proz
    Website
    Klik Disini

    ReplyDelete
  52. There are some interesting points in time in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article, thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well

    Weddingbee
    Website
    Klik Disini

    ReplyDelete
  53. You have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?

    Pinterest
    Website

    ReplyDelete
  54. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

    Ddrfreak.com
    Information
    Click Here
    Visit Web

    ReplyDelete
  55. Your content stands as a model of how to convey expertise without jargon. You make even the most technical topics accessible and engaging.

    Marble Coffee Table in Palm Jumerah

    ReplyDelete