There were reports about 4 years ago about the drugging of fighter pilots in Iraq (by NPR iirc) and the problems that led to (several friendly fire episodes were blamed on the meds which were not for PTSD but to keep the pilots “alert” but which seemed to make them more aggressive)

The environment Rubin describes – and for which the soldiers use of “Lord of the Flies” seems very apt – combined with meds is guaranteed disaster for the soldiers but even more for the Afghans who are “secured” by them.

Unless of course, the U.S. military is in reality operating on a bonifide actual catch-22 policy – and acting as a drug pusher as well. And keeping the Vietnam era pot smoking junk shooters out of business.

What profound disgrace we bear.

I’m late to your post, but I want to thank you for linking to that NYT Afghanistan story.

I read it last night and you wouldn’t believe how angry it made me (perhaps you would *g*).

Angry at the death and destruction, pain and suffering that seems to be the lot of the Afghans (just finished reading Steve Coll’s Ghost Wars, so I know how many casualties they’ve suffered this past 30 years).

Angry at the death and destruction, pain and suffering that seems to be the lot of the American troops who have been basically abandoned by their own country, and certainly by the country’s leadership (both civilian and military).

I’m also a wee bit angry at the lack of comments in your fine post on this topic, but I’ll bite my tongue on that. After all, the Oscars are on. /sad snark!

I hope you’ll re-post this tomorrow when the dust has settled in Hollywood and folks can take the time to read that heart-wrending NYT article.

They call it offering 3 Ds, defense, diplomacy, and development. That sounds a lot like the 19th century 3 Cs, chrisitanity, civilization, and commerce. You might almost think it is intentionally satirical.