Funny how times change, or how perception does. When it comes to Afghanistan, I mean. Although one can argue over here (and some folks actually do) that when Barack Obama proposes to talk to “moderate” Taliban (?) he “not only openly admits to the catastrophic situation, he also openly admits his helplessness,” others welcome the move, of course, and are having one of those we-told-you-so kind of moments.

“From sarcasm to outrage went the range of reactions when the the former head of the German Social Democrats, Kurt Beck, on the occasion of a visit to Afghanistan, suggested two years ago to negotiate with “moderate Taliban.” Now U.S. President Barack Obama has taken up exactly that proposal – and no one is laughing anymore.”

Well I’m certainly not. I’m shocked, to tell you the truth. As mentioned above, I think sarcasm to outrage are the proper reactions to such an idea.That such a proposal can actually even be considered today, much less considered to be salonfähig (socially acceptable), much less to be considered to be something that anybody could want to laugh about is beyond me. Talk about sad.

“The West simply can’t bumble about anymore in Afghanistan.” Says who?