This is a very good opinion piece on why more troops should not be sent to Afghanistan. The reality is that America cannot be the world's Paladin for much longer if its economic situation continues to deteriorate. However, it is certainly a tricky situation. Pulling out too quickly and without bolstering Afghanistan's local forces would leave it open to invasion by the Taliban and AlQaeda, rendering America's war on terror a failure. Continuing with the excessive spending and prolonged presence will lead to a soaring deficit... and then what?