Arianna:
I hate to use the term but you are espousing a cultural imperialist view.
Karzai's message is very clear.
Taliban is an Afghani movement he he is opposed to. But in choosing between an alien Western ideology and Taliban, he chooses Taliban over us.
But do not cast the first stone
After the filth of the corruption shown during the Healthcare bill, allowing even abeting Goldman and Friends, exactly what can we preach about Afghani corruption?
Ahmed Wali Karzai is a perfect example of a sucessful Afghan businessman.(see NYT mar30) Bribery is just good business. But IIRC a high US officer threatened him if he did not adhere to our way of doing things.The real problem of course is opium. Since we do not have the will to deal with OUR drug problem we insist that others from Peru to Mexico to Afghanistan to Burma give up a valuable cash crop.
The answer of course is simple. And Cheap. We buy up the opium and if we choose, destroy it. I am sure Ahmed Wali Karzai would be glad to act as our middleman
I believe that Arianna is right on both counts. The US is certainly not without our own "civilized" and institutionalized corruption. And, we are one of the world's biggest illegal substance consumers. Here's a "modest" proposal: Drastically change rules for campaign financing in order to restrict campaigns to use only public funds. And, legalize drugs.
Result:
1. Elected officials will ONLY be accountable to the citizens.
2. The biggest market for heroin will disappear.