Problem is we go to war with the aid system we have.

State's Ambassador Herbst has, over and again, sought money to staff up SCRS. Whether this would work or not, no funding ever materialized, and, at best, he can field a handful of 90-day inter-agency assignees for piecemeal "master planning."

Personally, I have a great deal of respect and faith in the new USAID administrator, and believe that, one day, he will be able to transform USAID, if, like Herbst, enough time, money, and staffing is provided.

Notwithstanding, the White House, Senate, NSC, State and USAID have been deeply immersed for the last six months in a policy/organizational structure debate about the above: Who is going to lead and implement an effective US stability & reconstruction program if and when we choose to create one?

Until that core debate is concluded, and the organization is (or is not) created, the US military is left to muddle in active wars without the key entity needed for resolution.

They are doing the best they can, without adequate resources, framework, training or capability. God bless them.