http://ebird.osd.mil/ebfiles/e20090320664559.html

Not sure if this link to the early bird from today will work here.

"Wall Street Journal
March 20, 2009
Pg. 1

U.S. Courts Former Warlords In Its Bid For Afghan Stability

By Matthew Rosenberg

JALALABAD, Afghanistan -- Gov. Gul Agha Shirzai, a semiliterate former warlord, has an autocratic style, a reputation for doling out government contracts to family and friends, and a personal fortune allegedly amassed via corruption and the opium trade.

Many in Afghanistan think he might also be the country's best hope for stability.

As the head of one of the country's most peaceful provinces, Mr. Shirzai has ensured that roads get built, opium poppies are plowed under, and the Taliban are held at bay...."

Shirzai was the central villian in Sarah's book from his time as first post-invasion Governor of Kandahar. Certainly a man who knows how to make things happen in Afghanistan, I just hope the US backers of him today are gaining a broader perspective before backing him once again. I don't have any insights to form an opinion, but if the postion taken by Sarah in her book is accurate, then this would not likely be a course we would want to pursue. Given a broader context he may in fact be exactly the guy.

Downside of our constant rotations is that it's damn hard to gain that broader context.