The Economist has a fine article on foreign aid for Afghanistan, or rather the lack thereof. Frankly, the idea that the world in general (and the US in particular) would negligently let Afghanistan slip back into anarchy (and possibly the hands of terrorists) makes my jaw drop. A big chunk of the money we’re giving to Afghanistan is going to be spent on anti-drug programs. The best anti-drug program is giving the farmers in Afghanistan a chance to make money growing something other than opium. I supported rousting al-Qaeda from Afghanistan, but if we neglectfully leave them without the opportunity for something better, it will all have been for naught.