What exactly are we doing in Afghanistan?

President Bush conceded last Wednesday it has been a "tough month" in Afghanistan, because of U.S. and NATO casualties. He also said he was weighing, along with other Allies, whether to send more troops. The unanswered question is what exactly are Americans and their Allies doing in Afghanistan? Trying to support the unified, centralized state? Unrealistic expectation. Afghanistan is an international chessboard, not a country. Americans and their Allies should better plan how to handle - with care - a realistic disintegration.