Comments about ‘Afghan war enters 12th year’

My son recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan. He told me that he is certain...as are all of the men he worked with...that once the US and others have left, the Taliban and other groups will take over, and all the work that has been done will make little difference. He said there will be better-trained fighters to shoot and kill each other with better weapons than they had before. It is hard to change the tribal mentality and customs of a country in our attempt to help them learn how to just get along with each other. And it is very discouraging for our troops who are there trying to help and train. My son helped to fix up a school in the small village where he was stationed. The majority of the people in that province are illiterate and easily led by groups like the Taliban, who use intimidation and threats to gain power. The children are excited to have the school, but I wonder how long it will remain open once we leave.