THE BURNED OVER DISTRICT

After ten years and $Billions of dollars and the best training by the best trainers the US military has, It turns out the Loyal Army of Karzai of the Afghans can't grab its butt with either hand.

Afghanistan’s security forces can’t go it alone after the planned departure of U.S. combat troops at the end of next year, the Pentagon said in its latest assessment of the war effort.

“Substantial training, advising and assistance, including financial support” will be needed to address “ongoing shortages,” including the inability of Afghan security forces to operate and sustain complex battlefield technologies, air operations and logistics, according to the report issued yesterday. It also cited a gap in fielding units to clear roadside bombs, the primary killer of Afghan forces.
Enlarge image Afghan Army Can’t Go It Alone After 2014, Pentagon Report Finds

The report bolsters calls by top U.S. commanders for some troops to remain in Afghanistan for years to come to train security forces and conduct special-forces operations against terrorists. President Barack Obama hasn’t decided how many Americans should stay after next year, and the administration hasn’t ruled out what’s called the “zero option,” removing all troops if a long-term agreement can’t be reached in sometimes acrimonious negotiations with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

“The insurgency remains a potent force,” although “significantly degraded” since 2011, according to the report.

Only 28 percent of Americans say the war in Afghanistan has been worth fighting, the least support recorded and less than backed the war in Iraq at its least popular point, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll conducted July 18 to July 21. Results had a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.

Everybody who couldn't see this coming please raise your hand. Hm-m, no one I see. So don't forget to send President a fax or an e-mail telling him not to leave anyone behind at the end of 2014.