Pakistan, Aug. 8 -- Just recalling Donald Trump's lament over America's withdrawal from Afghanistan, which he described as "the greatest humiliation in the history of our country"; and, wondering what verdict history may yet deliver on its most recent adventure.

Also, can't help asking myself a larger question: why does this keep happening to a superpower, possessing unmatched military, economic, technological and intelligence capabilities?

And, why do seemingly invincible powers repeatedly stumble in distant lands?

All I can think of is that the first and perhaps the most enduring weakness of the United States is its strategic overconfidence, often bordering on arrogance. Power can create the illusion of omniscience. It tempts policym...