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Invest In Locals, Not New Soldiers

Anne Applebaum, The Washington Post | February 10, 2009

The long-term solution to Afghanistan’s security does not lie in sending in new soldiers but in the Afghan army. ++ This army is basic but innovative; its greatest strength is the sense of national identity which governs it. ++ Enlarging its responsibilities should be the key priority of the coalition: the linguistic and ethnic challenges of Afghanistan can be far better overcome by locals. ++ In the absence of a viable political unifier, the “surge” should be dedicated to improving this army which is, ultimately, the only ticket going.