General Petraeus

There is no doubt that Gen Petraeus is a practical and competent commander, with the ability to see the big picture. It is therefore inevitable that he should start to hint, as he has, that in terms of achieving the mission, American combat troops may have to stay in Afghanistan longer. This will cause dismay in parts of Washington and inĀ all of London and Nato.

As each day passes it becomes ever clearer to see a truth that was there at the very beginning. The problems of Afghanistan do not admit of a military solution. That lies in tribal politics, local war lords and elements of Pakistan not convinced by the war on terror. The General also thinks that negotiations with the Taliban are a necessary way forward. These need to be stepped up. Public opinion across the West has lost faith in this war and will no longer back it. The Obama Presidency depends on an end being in sight by November 2012.