What's Next For Afghanistan?

President Obama's announcement that more than 30,000 troops will withdraw from Afghanistan within the next year has sparked a great deal of concern amongst the people affected most by this decision: the Afghan civilians. Much of what Matthew Hoh stated in his City Club speech is a reality for the Afghan people. Many are skeptical that the national military and the federal government are strong enough to combat the Taliban, given their long history of corruption and tribal loyalty. Additionally, the withdrawal of troops has been predicted to lead to economic ruin. As of now, many foreign businesses have begun their own withdrawal from Afghanistan, fearing the worst as the country slowly creeps towards, what many believe to be, civil war. Some have begun to say that it was a mistake for the United States to enter Afghanistan in the first place, claiming that the Taliban will now take revenge on those who welcomed the foreign intervention. This article features quotes from several local Afghans as they speak about their views on what’s to come. (Admittedly, these views are overwhelmingly dismal). Read the full article here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jbT7fp4zXJsuk7sYN8oJYQA2Ntgw?docId=29b481f1ca3c44078b81c596137c1271