If you broke it, you own it

Peace and (should I use this much maligned word) democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq depend ultimately on local governments that are seen as legitimate by their peoples.   In neither case is that happening, and so even a modicum of stability is now dependent on American troops (and behind the scenes political maneuvering.)

We created both these regimes by force of arms.   Both are seriously flawed.   In Afghanistan the last elections were full of fraud.   In Iraq, over 500 Sunnies were banned from upcoming elections.  (BTW, the shiites are using a deBaathification law imposed by US to do this!)

This can't and won't work.   Unfortunately Americans can either leave and watch the ensuing chaos that we created or continue to try to hold together the quicksand situations.  Neither are good choices.  Getting out at least removes the american forces as western bete noir.   While we are in we need to use all the clout to push our fractious puppet leaders to be honest, competent, and build inclusive institutions.