Only a self absorbed American would describe the outcome here in terms of victory and winning. As if there is a victory to be had here and the goal is winning.

The same narrow mentality drove Americans to think they could control outcomes in Vietnam too and Iraq of course. Trillions of dollars later....

Get with the programme. Regional powers most importantly Iran and Pakistan are part of a long term solution to bring development, stability and economic growth to Afghanistan because they have a real stake in those outcomes. 

They may not be supporting the same people the US does but that is a reality that US policy and this author must confront not dismiss.



A diplomatic dialogue recognizing the hard realities of regional influence is the only solution. 

This assumes the author is interested in  making Afghanistan  a stable functional country.

As long as Americans think they are there to win  and ignore the obvious the game is already lost.
A very sad analysis.