Quote Originally Posted by Rank amateur View Post
Isn't this highly likely to lead to anarchy/failed state/growing extremism and other undesirable consequences?
Probably but what I was suggesting was that adverse effects of becoming mired in an internal war are often worse that the undesirable consequences of state failure. I think we have accepted the notion that failed states are this huge threat without really thinking it through.

Look at it this way--which would pose a greater danger to the United States: Somalia the way it is today or a major U.S. military presence trying to stabilize Somalia? Contrast that with Afghanistan.