The only way out of Afghanistan is a comprehensive assessment of what is culturally possible on the ground, province by province. Then a list of milestones - the usual - corruption, decentralized leadership, no more cronies - Simple withdrawal now will not fly in Congress, it has to be an exit strategy that puts the emphasis on negotiation and decentralized local governance. A centralized army capable of imposing centralized rule on a decentralized tribal society will not work in a few generations. Congress must be sold an exit strategy. McChrystal sold one and they bought it. The conditions in that strategy must be held to the fire. Next year about August it will be known if it worked or not. If no progress, especially on the local governance and the reduced corruption parts - then the plug can be pulled. The McChrystal/Obama plan must be evaluated constantly and the drum beat for withdrawal if it does not work must be loud. Know McChrystal's strategy!