Matthew P. Hoh´s letter of resignation

**Ahlerich** · November 16, 2009, 04:56 AM

http://www.comw.org/warreport/fullte...tionLetter.pdf

So whats to discuss? His point of view. Do you agree or disagree? I find his reasons understandable, is it only a matter of time until finally people that are on top of the foodchain will share the view?

i think its only a matter of time.. i am only surprised why this process is taking 6 years and is still not completed.

**Dr Zoidberg** · November 16, 2009, 05:22 AM

This is a tricky situation. On one had, why are we (the allies) risking our troopers lives propping up a corrupt government of a fragmented nation. On the other hand, I think we're kind of in a 'we broke it now must buy it situation'. If we pull out, that country will collapse and the Taliban will regain control; I have no doubt about it. So the question is: "Do we stick with it a OR do we pull out and hope we can cope with whatever challenges a new Taliban-ruled Afghanistan might throw at us"?

He's obviously very passionate about the US' position in Afghanistan and the future of the conflict. However, I kind of feel that resigning just at the time when the situation calls for the efforts of bright and talented people, is somewhat selfish. Just my two cents worth.

**Ahlerich** · November 16, 2009, 05:45 AM

broke it must buy it is a good way to look at it. however we should finally decide how much it costs to pay. in other words what are we trying to archive? when is the show over. what needs to happen that we can say "ok we bought it now we can leave the store"
it is discussed that we need more troops to not risk losing this operation on the other hand there is no finnish line. no clear defined destination to rech. no price for the broken vase..

**Dr Zoidberg** · November 16, 2009, 06:04 AM

Mate you said it. But how do you judge when a country is ready to look after itself? Also, is Afghanistan able to exist long-term as a whole nation? Perhaps we're expecting too much asking these various tribes and ethnicities to give up hundreds of years of mis-trust and animosity and form a nation?

**Ahlerich** · November 16, 2009, 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by Dr Zoidberg

Mate you said it. But how do you judge when a country is ready to look after itself? Also, is Afghanistan able to exist long-term as a whole nation? Perhaps we're expecting too much asking these various tribes and ethnicities to give up hundreds of years of mis-trust and animosity and form a nation?

see i am worried that the vase we broke there is priceless..

**Dr Zoidberg** · November 16, 2009, 07:02 AM

Agreed. We went and acted like a bull in a very expensive china shop - now the store keeper is making sure we pay the price.

**Admiral Piett** · November 16, 2009, 12:10 PM

To be honest, saving face is not a good enough reason to risk soldier's lives. The only reason I'd support any further occupation there is to root out terror cells. The Taliban is a secondary priority frankly.

**Phier** · November 16, 2009, 02:38 PM

We as a nation 'owe' Afghanistan nothing.

In Iraq we were a bull in the China shop, so leaving it a mess would be a morally wrong.

In Afghanistan we took out and punished a government who harbored terrorists who murdered our people. We don't owe them for that. Our natures are such that we can't abandon them, but we do not owe them peace or stability.