Abstract

The US invasion of Afghanistan, with backing from NATO and from Australia, took place in October 2001, in response to the 9/11 attacks. As of July 2010 many US and European commentators are saying that the US action in Afghanistan has failed and that US forces should withdraw. Similarly, Australian commentators are saying that Australian troops should withdraw. I haven't made up my mind and don't even see clearly what the issues are. But here are some reflections and some references to commentators.