Knitting Together an Afghan Strategy

NATO tests the "ink-spot theory."

By Fred Kaplan
Posted Tuesday, June 20, 2006, at 6:28 PM ET

KABUL—NATO's headquarters in Afghanistan occupy the same plot of land that the British army held in the 19^th century during its two attempts to control the country, which both resulted in humiliating routs. "Third time lucky," said Brig. Nick Pope, with a nervous smile.

Fourth time, actually, since the Soviets laid their stakes on this ground too, until their own empire-shattering retreat.