The Pessimist POV (1): Why There is No Good Solution in Afghanistan

I’ve argued before against “solutionism”–the optimistic American belief that there is always going to be a correct, successful solution to any given international problem as long as people of good will, etc.

Alas our endearing but naive American optimism repeatedly comes up against a world in which people of good will, etc. (by our definition) are in short supply. The argument for and the argument against making a big push in Afghanistan are both persuasive to some extent, but neither is a solution. Heads we lose one way, tails we lose another. .

If you doubt this please read this deeply pessimistic account of an ex Marine who resigned his Afghan civilian post out of hopelessness.

I used to think false hope was better than no hope. No so much anymore.