Caution! Quagmire Ahead!

The United States can't win in Afghanistan unless its new president makes major reforms, and quickly.

By Fred KaplanPosted Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009, at 5:39 PM ET

The ballots haven't all yet been counted in Afghanistan's election, but the interim reports—of intimidation, low turnout, continued violence, and widespread fraud—bode poorly for the country and our war there.

The strategic goal of a counterinsurgency war is to build support for the central government. Our forces provide security to the people. As a result, the regime can supply basic services. As a result, the insurgents lose their base of popular support.