America's Two Wars

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been polar opposites. One was launched to avenge the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the other under dubious and now well-documented false pretenses. The first routed an oppressive, Islamist regime; the second ousted a dictator and ushered in an army of extremists. One followed the other, but Afghanistan should have remained America's primary focus. Never more was that evident than now, as Taliban fighters and sympathizers have unleashed spectacular attacks on U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan. Not one but 10 suicide bombers kicked off a ferocious, 20-hour battle at a key American base in the eastern province of Khost this week.