Robert Robb's call to exit Afghanistan is understandable. We have spent blood and treasure there. His arguments, however, ignore some of the strategic and political dynamics why such a withdrawal may harm American interests. We are there with our allies. These allies have also sacrificed and should be consulted. Nowhere does Rob examine the military or economic reasons why we are there or why we should stay.

Afghanistan is at the crossroads of Asia, fought over for thousands of years. To the north is Russia, to the west Iran, China to the east and India and Pakistan to the south. All have an interest in the country. It's a country rich in untapped mineral resources. Nowhere does Robb examine or refer to the assessments of Lt. Gen. Austin Scott Miller, the new military commander leading the Nato Coalition about the consequences of withdrawal. We are still part of Nato. Surely the men on the ground deserve to be consulted?

Robb's overall view of American involvement in wars worldwide seems remarkably lopsided. I do not remember American troops clearing out the North Vietnamese or the Viet Cong with "minimal cost or casualties." We are still technically at war with North Korea, a third world country. The continued presence of our troops in South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Gulf, Germany, UK, and many other parts of the globe provide a bulwark against the tyranny and lawlessness of those who wish to expand their power and reach to undermine the United States and all it represents.

Our presence in Afghanistan, supporting the ordinary people struggling to build a modern democratic country out of a religiously and tribally fractured society, reflects our values and the values educated Afghans aspire to. I seem to remember the French doing the same for us. This cannot be achieved overnight. The Afghan people have endured years of bloodshed. They want a democratic society. I taught some of them. Giving the Taliban free rein would destroy much of the progress already made.

Shouldn't we also be asking people on the street what they want or need? Robb makes barely a mention of them. He suggests we turn our backs and walk away. Is this the "new" United States of America? Sadly our government in Washington, preoccupied with the path of hurricanes, does not appear to be up for the challenge or misunderstands it completely.