Afganistan

The vanished American dream - one more time

Enemies and allies aside believe that America lost the war in Afghanistan. Even the Americans prefer this explanation because it is easy to handle.

I believe America is the winner, as always was in the last century. I emphasize America, not the Americans. The dead civilians and the fallen soldiers - to save face, politicians call them heroes - are only a fraction of the equation.

It's about money! Again! The tremendous amount of taxpayers' money spent isn't lost as they suggest, only transformed to serve the goals of those interested in the war business. America finally finished the war and evacuated its troops after twenty years, they lament. They left, only because it wasn't worth staying anymore.

What about democracy, human rights and all those plans and generous promises which remained unfulfilled? What about those beautiful dreams of the virtues of Americans helping and protecting those in need? In Korea or Hungary of 1956, losing to the aggression of the Soviet Union, in Vietnam, Iraq or recently in Afghanistan, the same happened: the dreamers' wishes didn't come true.

America has proved itself in the two World Wars and has lived from that glory ever since. America won't be a loser until wages its wars in other countries and not back in its homeland. But there is a great deal of difference between being a winner or be the glorious victor. The first requires only a good strategy, but for the latter unwavering fate is needed. That is the historical tragedy of the US. Embarking in Normandy, the D-day, was the last time when America triumphed. It happened such a long time ago!

Original: Kató Zoltán: Afganisztán – újabb szétfoszlott amerikai álom (extract)