It is not only about the U.S.

Of course not. But as the United States decides whether to ask American military personnel to risk their lives and the American public to spend money, it is reasonable to consider whether doing so would serve American interests.

What is a wise solution, that will relieve Afghans from this seemingly intractable situation? I am worried about Afghans living in their own country. What about them?

I don’t know. The simple answer is a political settlement among all stakeholders, but I don’t know how to bring that about. There are too many conflicts of interest, and too many people committed to carrying on the fight if they don’t get their way. Unfortunately, I’m skeptical of anyone claiming they know how to solve Afghanistan in the near (or even mid) term.