Zbigniew Brzezinski opened this conference with a few "don'ts," the first being the highly dubious claim that it goes without saying America cannot withdraw from Afghanistan.

A questioner then asked, "since half the American people do not support the Occupation, why is it 'obvious' that America cannot withdraw?"

Zbig's answer? Armed with the right arguments presented eloquently, doubting Americans can be convinced otherwise! Now there's an answer to the question!!! (NOT!) Also, he said that there are political actors who would crucify the President if he tried.

Thus Zbig refused to make any attempt at providing a strategic rationale for being in Afghanistan, which he obviously cannot do, because otherwise he would have. Instead, he tacitly admitted that good foreign policy decisions are being held hostage to a militant minority, or perhaps just to the energy security complex consisting of energy companies, merchants of death joined at the hip to the Pentagon. Naturally, these folks could care less about America's downward spiraling economy or its position in the world. They only care only about short term profits and realizing their own personal ambitions.

Thanks to Zbig for unintentionally revealing the vacuity of strategic thinking behind the Afghanistan farce.