A relief to have learned something

ARTICLE: Pakistan reopens Khyber crossing to NATO convoys, By Bill Roggio, November 17, 2008

We now re/learn a whole new geography for another long slog.

What makes me feel better this go-around: our learning curve in Iraq changes everything; we seem to be acting sensibly with the Pakistanis, understanding their difficulties; we're going to tackle this one more regionally, so dialogue with Iran; and if we can further internationalize the force (like with China), then we really start using this situation as a great powers learning environment.

I expect many ups and downs, and I'll let the COIN high priests argue the tactics, but this all feels so much more sensible and realistic that the first iteration--either here or in Iraq.

And I like it when we learn and move on.

Comments

[CG News Blog]

The approach this time around certainly seems more careful and open to working with rather than against, as there is the common ground of wanting to eliminate terrorism. The more Western and Pakistani governments work together, the more capable they both are of achieving their common goal.

[farhad]

It more & more seems like U.S is going through Iranization of Iraq,meaning;handing more control of Iraq to Iran to fight the rebels,inexchange for the mullas's hanging to power(®ional also) as asurragate,and also the Pakistanization of Afganistan at the same time.

[Louis Heberlein]

Not just geography, read insights of Kipping about Khyber Pass area culture. and Lawrence insights on Arab culture. Some folks in our establishment 'get it' even though they don't communicate insights to media or public.