Some Things To Consider About Afghanistan — From Those Who’ve Been There. Makes the following points, in convincing detail:

Consider Pakistan an ally in name only, and appreciate that all dealings with Pakistan are fraught with peril .

Appreciate that getting rid of Osama Bin Laden will not “win the war,” and a war on Bin Laden’s organization, Al Qaeda, means a war with the Taliban.

Current U.S. military doctrine is not suited to this kind of war and must be changed.

Know the enemy and the environment, and apply lessons learned from everyone’s past mistakes.

All military operations should be coordinated with, and in support of, the Northern Alliance.

The civil component of any intervention in Afghanistan is crucial. The American Prospect