Vietnam, anyone?

The similarity between our Afghan adventure and the American ordeal in Vietnam continues. One of the sorrier aspects of that sorry experience was the constant flow of optimistic reports from the field that all was going well and just a little more effort and a little more time would bring success. Of course, as the American people belatedly discovered, things were in fact getting worse.

Upon Foreign Affairs Minister Peter McKay's recent return from Afghanistan, he reported the situation is stabilizing and the Taliban are "on the run." There is, however, "a need for a longer-term plan and commitment." Indeed.

The Taliban may be on the run, but in which direction. The view among journalists seems to be the Taliban now control much of Kandahar and are advancing on the capital. The aid agencies recognize this. Eighty per cent of the agencies formerly working in the province have withdrawn out of fear of attacks. Mr. McKay's handlers weren't taking any chances either. During his time in Kandahar, like diplomats and aid-agency officials he wasn't allowed off the grounds of military bases. Only heavily armed patrols in armoured vehicles venture out. This is a curious interpretation of "stabilizing."