Even though it’s been obvious for weeks that the end of 2014 will not mean anything resembling the end to the Afghan War, NATO apparently had all the party favors already ordered and decided to have the ceremony anyhow.
So today NATO and the US made a big show of ceremonially ending the Afghan War, shutting down the combat command for the country, even though the combat itself will be going on at least through 2015, and likely beyond.
Over 13 years in, the war is less over than ever, with the US agreeing to leave not only about 10,000 troops in the country, but to add another 1,000 by the end of 2014 to make up for the lower number of NATO troops involved.
Still, officials seem to be hoping that the show of ending the war will be enough for most people, and will push the already scarcely covered conflict off the news cycle entirely.
Perfect place for a military base, that’s what I always say.
Perfect place for expansion, that’s what any self-respecting Empire builder would always say.
Remember the good old days when wars ended when one side, lost or surrendered?
Gone the way of the Constitution, it would seem.