AP Photo

My first reaction is: If the Europeans consider this such a critical mission, why are they being so, well, feckless about supporting it themselves? Why do the Germans have rules of engagement that tie both hands behind their backs? Why do the Italians pay the Taliban not to attack their troops? Why are the Dutch--who actually do fight--leaving? A year ago, I made a tour of various NATO outposts in Afghanistan and many of these European armies are to the U.S. military as campus cops are to actual police officers.