Preconditions for Success in Afghanistan (Essay‪)‬

Editor's Note:A retired intelligence professional gives his candid assessment of what would constitute "success" in Afghanistan and the chances for reaching this goal.-The Editor Two successive U.S. administrations have said we must "win" in Afghanistan. David Kilcullen, one of the world's leading counterinsurgency experts and preeminent advisor to the US government, says that we must meet certain markers if we are to "succeed" in Afghanistan: We must face the realities of historical and contemporary Afghanistan. There must be agreement between Afghans and Americans on our goals. We must eliminate the Taliban sanctuary in Pakistan. There must be a solid, long-term US commitment including a flexible timeline.