Replace Karzai or bring the troops home

And, if we need a credible “local partner,” our local partner needs a reliable, supportive “large brother” (to wit: the United States). But by first hesitating to support Mr. Karzai, then saying we will support him — but only for 18 months, then publicly admonishing him to end the endemic corruption, then leaking the fact that his own brother is a major drug smuggler, we have undermined and infuriated him, without whom we cannot succeed in Afghanistan.

Great nations often find themselves in alliance with undesirable local chieftains. Usually in such circumstances, the great nation either tries quietly to strengthen and improve the local boss or it gets rid of him and finds a better puppet. If neither method works — then the great nation eventually gets out.

The Obama administration has publicly humiliated and undercut our “local partner” to the extent that we can no longer influence or improve him. Unless our government is prepared to replace him (highly unlikely) — we ought to get out before more of our troops get killed.