Afghanistan at a glimpse

The Weekly Standard summarized the status in Afghanistan in the following way:

"For months, we have been hearing of deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan. Insurgent attacks are up. Coalition causalities are increasing. Poppy crops are flourishing. The Taliban is expanding its presence. Parts of the country are ungovernable. And where there is government, it is corrupt. The public perception created by such reports is that Afghanistan is a disaster. The problem is that it is not a disaster. It is much, much worse."

The Economist have the opinions from Americans in a recent poll from 16-18 August 2009.

Would you say that the US is winning the war in Afghanistan? Yes, 18%; No, 42%; Not sure 40%

Do you favor increasing the number of troops? Yes 32%; No 41%; Not sure 27%

What do you think will eventially happen? Win the war 35%; Withdraw without winning 65%

Do you think the US made a mistake sending troops to fight in Afghanistan? Yes 31%; No 49%; Not sure 20%

I find that my own judgement of the situation in Afghanistan is like the majority of this poll.