Excellent article Ed Dolan.

It illustrates the importance to know what is inside heads. What are the motivations of the Taliban now as leaders? Understanding this is vital. And can come down to a particular personality -- an ambition, a grievance etc. History is replete with examples where cursory attention has been paid to this big chunk of factor.

Examples are: Kaiser Wilheim ll of Germany and belittling treatment by his royal cousins in Great Britain. Western attitudes towards post USSR and Putin contributed to the adverse relationship with Russia. Today the harm of condescension towards and unappreciation of achievements of China and Xi Jinping can make life difficult for us. With attention and savvy these often unintended actions and results can be corrected at little cost.

Most new leaders are not Nelson Mandelas. They are often frail.

Many thanks. I wandered from Afghanistan inflation.