The rise of China doesn’t bother me nor does their involvement in Afghanistan. If they want to invest money in the country then great. I don’t think it will get as much of a return as they’re hoping, but who knows.

I understand that many in America view China with suspicion, but I see no reason why we can’t prosper together. Ben Casnocha sums it up better than I can:

http://ben.casnocha.com/2009/07/rising-tide-lifts-all-nationstate-boats.html

Haven’t finished “Stranger in a Strange Land” yet, but I can see why it’s so popular. I bought it after seeing that it was one of Tim Ferriss’ favorite books. Heinlein is a fascinating man to me, almost more interested in him at this point than his books, but that could change.

@ Badski,

Thanks for the great articles. I agree with Kaplan, via Sullivan to a point, but my sneaking suspicion is that it will be a century or more before Afghanistan provides a good ROI for any nation involved whether it be China, Russia, India or the U.S.

The second article should be a wake up call to military commanders. When the troops are just as unclear as the average American on what exactly we’re doing in Afghanistan something has gone incredibly wrong.

“We’re lost — that’s how I feel. I’m not exactly sure why we’re here,” said Specialist Raquime Mercer, 20, whose closest friend was shot dead by a renegade Afghan policeman last Friday. “I need a clear-cut purpose if I’m going to get hurt out here or if I’m going to die.”

Sergeant Christopher Hughes, 37, from Detroit, has lost six colleagues and survived two roadside bombs. Asked if the mission was worthwhile, he replied: “If I knew exactly what the mission was, probably so, but I don’t.”

I see you’re reading “Stranger in a Strange Land”. Have you finished? How do you like it? It’s one of my favorite Heinlein’s, along with “For Us, The Living” and “The Door Into Summer.”