perfidy

The New York Times is reporting that the Taliban are consolidating their leadership and positions in Afghanistan with an eye to re-taking the country. The Times reports that police in Kandahar haven't been paid in months, that the foreign material and personnel support promised to maintain security has not materialized, and that the country is in danger of slipping into chaos. The article quotes an Afghani military leader: "'There is no real administration all over Afghanistan, no army, no police.... The people do not want the Taliban, but we have to unite and build, but we are not.'"

I've been reading stories like this for months. I realize that it's a bumpy road to freedom and democracy and cold beer for all, but if Afghani farmers must resort once again to opium production to survive, and the Taliban is able to harrass travellers, isn't that a bit more of a gaping, axle-eating pothole?