Words from John Murtha

Originally Posted by Downthestretch55

I don't know how the US is going to build an economy in Afghanistan. The task is far greater than the rebuilding of New Orleans (and we know how that is going).
In Afghanistan, there is no highway system, limited electricty, and poor soils.
The only crop that seems viable is opium. That's what the farmers know how to grow to obtain the best return on their investment.
So, I'd like to hear your thoughts as to how we (USA) "clean" it up.
To me, it's a task that is far larger than our willingness to do so, and we DO in fact have domestic issues that need to be addressed.

Now, about Pakistan. That one could become a very big problem very quickly.
We tread a very fine line. India is our "check". The US has to play those two cards very carefully.

If you leave Afghanistan alone it will become the capital of the terrorists. It is no different than giving over a land with oil. Tremendous amounts of cash available for terrorists. How do you rebuild it? You have to build their infrastructure and let the people that do it get the money, not Dick Cheney's friends. No other way.

Pakistan is the biggest problem in the world. The media just hasn't caught on yet.