Lieutenant General David Richards, of the Army of the United Kingdom, and Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s International Security Force in Afghanistan, warns that the situation in that nation is “close to anarchy” as foreign relief and administrative organizations are spending most of their time fighting each other, private security efforts are thwarted by local corruption, and most military organizations lack the proper equipment.

       NOTE: By his use of the word “anarchy” the editors believe that Richardson means “a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority,” and not “a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government.” — Webster’s International Dictionary.

       Question: Would an officer under the command of George W. Bush be as free to express such an opinion?

       [added 8/22/2020]