I am optimistic about Afghanistan. We've been there longer than in Iraq, yet the large majority of Afghans still welcome Western troops. Despite the ugly picture presented, Afghan life expectancy has increased since 2002 (in marked contrast to Iraq), Afghan refugees have returned to the country as opposed to being generated, and more Afghans have access to medical care and education than before 2002, again all in marked contrast to Iraq.

We can still turn this around. Afghanistan now is like Iraq in 2003, before we locked ourselves into the Green Zone. But first we must recognize that a turnaround is necessary.