Debunking myths about Afghanistan

Check out this great post from Juan Cole: Top Ten Myths about Afghanistan, 2010.

My personal favorite:

# 9. Afghans want the US and NATO troops to stay in their country because they feel protected by them.

• Fact: In a recent [pdf] poll, only 36% of Afghans said they were confident that US troops could provide security. Only 32% of Afghans now have a favorable view of the United States’ aid efforts in their country over-all.