Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Again, welcome to our committee.
A lot of people in the last number of years have become more familiar with the history of Afghanistan. There's a lot of debate going on in the country with politicians and citizens who have become somewhat familiar with the history. They're wondering if we can ever get out of the country with our heads high, or if we can get out with an exit strategy that improves the situation for Afghanistan. For the price we're paying there, is it worth staying in? They are becoming very discouraged, I believe, with what they're reading and learning about the country and what the Russians and Brits...and the Greeks, depending on how far back you may want to go in this benighted country.
The Prime Minister says that he will leave when he's successful. As an exit strategy, there's no...and it's difficult to put a time limit on it. How do you put a time limit on a war? When we entered World War I we didn't put a time limit on it, I guess, or on World War II.
I see the article here by General Paul Manson, who outlines conditions for an exit strategy and how long it may take. Based on your experience, how long do you think it's going to take to actually leave this country, when its population is able to take over? How long will it take the Afghanis to become masters of their country, masters of their own fate? When will the NATO forces be able to leave there, with a successful operation behind them?