Thank you for this. My own essays have also attempted to explain why Afghanistan was necessary, and how our warfare there and in Iraq is different, and far less costly, than wars were in the past. I even have pointed out where mistakes were made and corrected for, where problems and successes exist, and how both countries are actually better off now overall.

Nothing is above criticism, but this post adds a refreshing perspective, especially with regards to why the British experience in the 19th century differs from the current one. Of course, people will try to simplify things and such details are often overlooked.

+ friend