At one point in time Afghanistan had a better educated population, including women. But between the Soviets and the Taliban, many of the more educated Afghanis left for more hospitable environments. This left a gaping hole that the Taliban devastated even more, and will take a very long time to correct, and even longer if the West does nothing to help.

I’m depressed that Mr. Yon is pessimistic, and perhaps he’s right. Afghanistan may never be a tree. But if we leave them now, will there even be a bush?