tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1571201204115952544.post3032729208188653892..comments2024-03-15T00:21:37.019-07:00Comments on The Trench: COIN 101James Gundunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16141055666432969361noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1571201204115952544.post-15879858642856764152009-09-18T13:04:51.918-07:002009-09-18T13:04:51.918-07:00Europe is disjointed and confused about Afghanista...Europe is disjointed and confused about Afghanistan, which makes it difficult to predict individual state actions. Britain has as much political trouble at home as any other state and could eventually fall itself. NATO will try hard to keep up its fight because losing single states - like Italy - from one attack will destroy the coalition. We expect the Taliban to continue seeking high level targets to scare domestic populations, but for Europe to become more stubborn as time goes on.<br /><br />For example, after Germany's misguided air-strike and the political fallout, officials renewed the call to stay in Afghanistan until the job is done. NATO secretary-general Anders Fogh Rasmussen has made similar statements after conceding the Taliban's momentum. This posturing will eventually give way to sincere doubt and possible withdrawal, but Europe, like America, will do everything possible to block out reality before the walls cave in.James Gundunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141055666432969361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1571201204115952544.post-7545109075482265682009-09-18T11:17:08.328-07:002009-09-18T11:17:08.328-07:00This is merely one crumbling facet on the Afghan f...This is merely one crumbling facet on the Afghan front. I believe much of Europe will follow in the Italian footsteps, barring Britain.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com