Interrupting his long-planned trips to India and Pakistan for a "surprise" March 1 visit to Kabul, President Bush reiterated the U.S. commitment to the country: "We want to be here to help Afghanistan grow its democracy and defend those who ... can't stand the thought of terrorism. ... Our desire is to see this country flourish and set a great example not only in the neighborhood, but around the world." The president is partial to these grand rhetorical flourishes, but in the Afghan blogosphere, the U.S. mission has grown increasingly imperiled since the September 2005 National Assembly elections.

http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2006/04/1813825